Students on one degree course have been proving that with a little determination - further education could be just for you.

Mother of three Afroz Mohammed returned to education after fifteen years. The 38-year-old is in the second year of the Social Science degree course at Blackburn College and has one message for women looking to return to study - 'Just go for it.'

She said, "It was very difficult to get back into the habit as my youngest child is two.

"Some women think just because they have a family they won't be able to cope. But the college and lecturers are there to support you.

"I think things have changed since I was at school and I feel women, even if they are parents, should be a given a chance."

Afroz has a year left on the course and course tutor Ashley Whalley was quick to praise her determination.

"The social science degree encompasses elements of Politics, Economics and Psychology. I think women like Afroz help explode the myth about Asian women in the community.

"She wasn't neccesarily encouraged to go into further education when she was younger but she has proved everyone wrong."

Sufiyan Karolia, 19 went straight on to the course after completing her A-Levels in Sociology, Psychology, English and General Studies.

"As I'd already studied the subjects at A-level I wanted to learn more about them.

"I think nowadays women can balance education with their home life much more. There is still a certain stereotype about Asian women in the community but I think that is because some men feel intimidated."

Safeera Patel, 27 a Manager at BT agreed. She is completing the course part-time and is hoping the course will help her into social work. "I think when I was college before I was wasting my time. It is sad to say this but there were some of us both male and female who wern't bothered about continuing our education."

"You regret it a bit later in life but I also think are there far more opportunities for youngsters in this generation."

"I think women these days in our community are more motivated and determined to succeed."