A SENIOR citizen from Herefordshire has proved it is never too late to study.

Seventy-four-year-old Paul Og-den, from Woolhope, near Ledbury, graduated with an MA in History at University College Worcester.

He chose to return to studying in 1994 when he decided that he was far from ready to resign himself to slippers and an easy chair.

The former Merchant Navy captain signed up for the MA following the completion of a five-year Open University degree in history in 1998.

"I enjoyed my Open University experience," said Mr Ogden.

"But there was a vital difference at University College Worcester. It wasn't just the study. I actually felt I belonged.

"Everyone was so friendly and so helpful, even young undergraduates went out of their way to help me if I needed their assistance.

"I owe a great deal of gratitude to Dr Darren Oldridge, my tutor, and my pathway leader, Dr Ronnie Kowalski, who were magnificent in their support and teaching."

Mr Ogden enjoyed his time at UCW so much that he has recommended the college to colleagues on the Open University course.

But he has decided against further studies for a doctorate.

"I've achieved what I wanted to achieve now," he said.

"I would be 81 or 82 by the time I achieved that and frankly I've got other things I want to do with my time."

Among the modules that Mr Ogden studied to gain his masters were post-mutiny India, The Age of Wonders - religion and society in 16th and 17th Century Britain, the Women's Movement in Victorian Britain and Evolution, and research skills and methodology.

His 11,000-word thesis, which was awarded a distinction, was Controversy within the early Stuart Church with particular reference to Herefordshire and adjacent counties.