Debbie Bradley always enjoyed crime programmes like Columbo on television, figuring out clues to the fictitious murder cases.

Now Debbie has entered the world of criminal investigation for real, studying BSc (Hons) Crime Scene Science part-time at the University of Teesside.

Mother-of-two Debbie, 38, from Middlesbrough, first left school at 16 with no intention of studying any further.

She worked first as a care assistant, then a receptionist and finally helping in the physiotherapy department at

Middlesbrough General Hospital.

Debbie said: "My favourite subjects at school were art and biology but I couldn't wait to leave. The idea of coming to college frightened me - I never thought that I would go to university."

Debbie changed her mind when her partner Mark had to retrain for another trade, due to a disability that prevented him from working as a mechanic.

Debbie saw an article about the university's Crime Scene Science degree and rang to enquire.

She said: "I was worried I might be too old to go to university, having been out of education for so long, but age was no problem.

"I've always been interested in crime scene investigation and this course is enjoyable and a challenge.

"I would love to work as a crime scene examiner or a crime scene photographer when I graduate."