A WOMAN who went back to the classroom a decade after leaving school, to develop a hobby, has gained a top GCSE grade.

Rhianne Jones, 27, from Spennymoor, was overjoyed when she opened her GCSE results envelope to find she had earned an A* in photography.

An admissions advisor at Durham University, Miss Jones has always had a keen interest in the subject, so enrolled at Bishop Auckland College to learn how to do it properly.

She said: "I am really pleased.

"I love taking photographs and this has given my confidence in my ability a great boost."