A MOTHER-of-two has swapped butties for broken bones following a major career change.

Marie Robson has gained a first-class degree in diagnostic radiography from the University of Teesside, Middlesbrough, and secured her first post at a local hospital.

Ms Robson, 43, had been working as a catering assistant at the university six years ago.

She became inspired to enrol on a degree there, after reading about the various courses available at the university's School of Health and Social Care.

After attending various discovery days at the university, and completing an access course, she secured a place on the BSc (Hons) diagnostic radiography degree course.

She will graduate in November, by which time she will be settling into her role as a radiographer at The James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough.

She said: "I've worked in catering for more than 20 years and at various places, including the Highfield Hotel, in Middlesbrough.

"I applied for a job at the university in 2001, working as a catering assistant.

"I was just looking through some course literature one day and was really interested by the radiography programme.

"I've always been passionate about learning and was excited to hear about the different opportunities available at the university.

"As a mature student, I was a bit worried about being the oldest on the course, but there was actually a wide blend of ages and different backgrounds.

"We all got on very well and the support from our tutors was first class."