A North East grandad has proved you are never too old to learn after he has earned a qualification in English.

Age is just a number for Mohammad Basit, who at 83 years old, has earned his English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) qualifications at Stockton Riverside College.

Mohammad, who moved to the UK from Kashmir in his 20s, "loves to study" and found out today (August 22) that he had obtained his Entry Level 1 in Writing, the latest in a string of courses he has completed at the college in two years.

Mohammad Basit, 83.Mohammad Basit, 83. (Image: ETC)

Originally settling with his wife in Darlington where they raised their family, he went on to build multiple careers, first working in a textile mill, then an engineering factory, before later working as a taxi driver and starting his own newsagent.

But now, despite being retired, he has not been putting his feet up and has already dusted off his English speaking, reading and listening skills, as well as tackling introductory courses in maths and IT.

“I want to continue to learn more grammar to improve my English,” he said, adding that his ultimate ambition is to move on to his GCSE and even A-level studies.

Mohammad continued: “I like to learn new things, and new things are happening all the time. I wanted to learn more about computing and maths.

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“I saw an interesting programme about space the other night, I would like to learn more about that too! I do enjoy it. The college has been very nice, especially the teachers who are very supportive.

“I have worked hard all of my life. I have never drunk and never smoked. I like to exercise every day, either walking or going on the exercise bike. I believe it is good to keep my head working too.”

Mohammad is set to return to the college in September to continue his studies.