THERE has been double cause for celebration at one York councillor's home.

Only a few days after being re-elected to City of York Council for Acomb, Tracey Simpson-Laing has collected an MA in Social Policy and Criminology from the Open University.

She said: "It's been hard going over the last five years, juggling being a mum, working part-time and being a councillor.

"My partner, Iain, my employer and fellow councillors have been very supportive of my undertaking this degree.

"Friends and family have asked me if I am going to study for a PhD, but after starting with a A-level back in 1996, then an OU first degree followed by the MA, I have decided to have a rest for a while - 15 three-hour exams is enough.

"However I am interested in a new course concerning urban planning that is to start next year - you just get hooked with the OU."