A mature student from East Hagbourne joined about 170 others for a grand Open University degree ceremony in Brussels.

Nicholas Stainforth, 56, received a BA (Hons) after studying humanities and history for six years.

The Open University, which is now Europe-wide, holds degree ceremonies in various parts of the UK and on the Continent.

Mr Stainforth, a former gardener, attended the Palais de Congress in Brussels where the degree was presented by the Vice-Chancellor Sir John Daniels.

"It was an impressive, and very cosmopolitan occasion," said Mr Stainforth.

He has already celebrated the completion of his studies by raising 2,000 on a sponsored cycle ride through Iceland for the National Deaf Children's Society.