TWO neighbours have graduated from the same university on the same day after returning to studying.

Lucy Martin and Rodney Anness, who have lived next door to each other in Settrington for 11 years, completed their degrees at York University.

A nurse for 27 years, Lucy was awarded a first-class honours in health and social care and it enabled her to move from practice nurse in Malton to nurse practioneer in Pickering. She said: “I did really enjoy it and I was relieved and very pleased when I got my result.”

Rodney, a former manager in the health service, studied an MA in the history of art following a life-long interest in the subject.

“I was really proud when I graduated,” he said. “I will be 80 in May, so was pleased at what I had managed to achieve.”