MATURE students at a Darlington college are celebrating examination successes.

A total of 29 people were entered for Access to Higher Education modules by Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College.

The recently published results show that eight of the students gained distinctions in two or three modules and another nine gained a distinction in one module.

Pamela Griffiths, Stephanie Guest, Dominic McArdle and Kathyrn Burney, attained distinctions in three modules.

Stephanie and Kathyrn are going to Durham to qualify as teachers, and Dominic will read politics, philosophy and economics at York.

Pamela will study through the Open University while continuing to work for Royal Mail.

Anita Blackburn, assistant principal at the college, said: "This year's Access results are a credit to the students and staff and reflect their commitment and dedication."

The Access to Higher Education course is designed for students over the age of 21 and a one-year 'fast-track' route to university.

Most students are returners to education and have not studies formally for many years.