A great-grandfather from Yatton is celebrating after completing a university degree he started 22 years ago.

Ewart Noble, 80, of Horsecastle Close, enrolled on the Open University science degree when he retired in 1987.

But a series of problems, including a heart attack and having to care for sick relatives, meant he didn't complete the three-year course until more than two decades later.

Mr Noble, a former carpenter and joiner, decided to restart his studies last year after his granddaughter Lucy got one A and nine A* grades in her GCSE exams.

Mr Noble, a grandfather of five, said: "I thought, 'If she can do it, why can't I?'

"I first enrolled when I was 58 because I left school at the age of 14 and didn't have a very good education because of the effects of the war.

"I left school in 1942 and then went to train as a carpenter and joiner at the Merchant Venturers' Technical College in Bristol.

"But I always fancied doing a degree, so decided to go for it.

"Unfortunately, a number of things happened over the years which meant I had to stop studying.

"It was when Lucy did so well in her exams that I decided I needed to keep up with the children today and restarted my studying."

Mr Noble, who lives with his wife Joy, aged 75, did five assignments last year and his end-of-course assignment was sent off in October.

He got his results in December and celebrated his BSc Science degree with friends at Yatton Rugby Club.

Mr Noble, who was also the first baby born in Bristol in 1929, added: "My birthday is on January 1 so I spent New Year's Eve at the club, where I am a member, having a drink to celebrate my birthday and my degree.

"I feel great about finally finishing the course and I was walking on air for days after the letter came through. It just proves that you are never too old to learn."

Mr Noble, who has one great-grandchild, will collect his degree from the Open University at a ceremony at St David's Hall in Cardiff in May.