WHEN Peter Hutchinson left school at 14 to take up a trade and become a mastic pointer, sitting exams was the last thing on his mind.

But today, three decades and several career changes later, the father-of-four is living proof that you're never too old to learn.

For Peter, 47, of Swallowfield, Pleckgate, Blackburn, is all set to graduate from university with a first-class degree - despite never having sat an exam until he was nearly 40.

Wife Janet, 45, said: "He left school at 14 without sitting any exams. His three brothers and sisters are teachers and professors and used to take the mickey. But he's always been very bright."

Peter now has a first-class degree from the University of Central Lancashire in first level care. It means he is now a nursing practitioner and is getting ready for a new job, starting on August 31, at a Haslingden surgery.

Although he left school to become a tradesman in Rishton, Peter packed that in at 21 to become an ambulanceman.

He spent eight years as a paramedic before using his medical skills to help prisoners, spending 20 years working for the prison service in health care - which included a stint at Strangeways during the prison riot of 1990.

He was later commended for his bravery by the Home Office after stopping prisoners from killing other inmates by refusing to hand over keys.

Peter's 20-year prison career also saw him also launch a series of initiatives to improve the health of inmates, such as a smoking cessation clinic, and improving facilities for disabled prisoners.

Janet, who works at Queen's Park Hospital in Blackburn, said: "It's like he's finally reached his goal. He always said he wanted to put something back into society.

"We have four boys and the hospitals have always been there for us, now he is doing something for the medical profession."

The family has more than one cause for celebration too. Sons Nicholas, 22, and Adam, 21, have also passed degrees in recent weeks.

While Nicholas landed a BSc in computing from Leeds University, Adam landed a BA in teaching from Leeds Metropolitan University.

Along with policeman Christopher, 24, and Daniel, 18, who is set to start at Blackburn College in September, they are proud of their dad's achievement.

Janet said it is all her husband deserves after working for two years to get the degree. She said: "He has spent two years coming home from work then locking himself in his study with his books."