A COURAGEOUS blind woman says the Bolton Evening News gave her the inspiration to go into further education.

And now Edith Ibbotson, who finished her formal education at the age of ten, has just graduated with a BA honours degree in English Literature, from Bolton Institute.

Back in 1988 Edith, of Barrow Bridge, won a writing competition organised by the BEN to commemorate the town's 150th anniversary.

According to Edith, 64, who always thought she was "as thick as two short planks" the win proved a major turning point for her.

She commented before yesterday's graduation ceremony: "It was winning the competition that inspired me to go into further education.

"I always thought I was stupid. I couldn't read or write because I couldn't see.

"I used a computer with a synthetic voice to write the story which was about my early life in Raglan Street, Halliwell during the war."

Amazingly another major life change for Edith was also inspired by the BEN.

Many years after her family moved to Devon, Edith, who at this point still had her sight, saw an old copy of the paper lying tattered in a drawer.

"I saw the bold headlines and the words Bolton Evening News and I started to cry. I realised I wanted to go back to Bolton," she recalled.

The rest is history. Edith, who has five children, completed her GCSEs and A Levels through the Community Education Service in Westhoughton.

She was even presented with an Individual Outstanding Adult Learner's Award by the CES for her dedication and hard work.

And with the support and friendship of Anne Hughes, of Wade Bank, Westhoughton, who she met on the course, the pair decided to tackle a degree together.

Added Edith: "Anne has been marvellous. She has always been there for me."

Both women achieved 2:1 BA Hons degrees in English Literature.

They were presented with their degree certificates at a ceremony at Victoria Hall in Bolton, yesterday.

Anne, paid tribute to Edith, by saying that she proved so inspirational.

She commented: "It was very hard work and a real struggle, but we kept each other going.

"I'm proud of myself - but even more proud of Edith."

Both women achieved 2:1 BA Hons degrees in English Literature.

They were presented with their degree certificates at a ceremony at Victoria Hall in Bolton, yesterday.

And what now for Edith? She jokes that she is currently considering a bricklaying course!

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