BOB Hamlett is living proof that you are never too old to learn.

As a nine-year-old boy he watched the future King Edward VIII arrive in Middlesbrough to officially open Constantine College, the forerunner of the University of Teesside.

Now, at the age of 84, the former blast furnace engineer has emerged as one of the university's latest success stories.

The grandfather of three from Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough, has gained a BA (Hons) degree in English Studies from the university and will graduate at Middlesbrough Town Hall in November.

He said yesterday: "I'm feeling a bit bored now and am definitely going to do something else, perhaps a short course.

"My advice to anyone my age who is thinking of studying is be positive and go for it, stretch yourself.''

He first completed a short University of Teesside course in regional writing. Then, aged 81, Bob fulfilled his ambition by enrolling on an English studies degree at the university.

On July 2, 1930, he had pressed his way to the front of the crowds waiting to see the Prince of Wales. His father was playing soprano cornet in the Cargo Fleet works band as part of the celebrations.

He worked as a blast furnace engineer for 19 years, before qualifying as an engineering lecturer. In the 1960s, he briefly lectured at the college.

Mr Hamlett said: "I didn't know what to expect from the degree at first and found the critical theory extremely difficult.

"But I stuck with it and opted for a full spectrum of subjects, including poetry, medieval and modern drama and feminist literature. I particularly enjoyed my final year dissertation, where I looked at George Bernard Shaw and how his political life affected his plays."

His 24-year-old granddaughter, Sarah, works in the School of Health and Social Care.