OPEN University graduates across North and East Yorkshire are to receive their degrees after combining years of hard work with their jobs and family commitments.

The Rev Paul Spurgeon, 49, of Kirk Hammerton, who is the Rector of Lower Nidderdale, will eventually receive his degree this month after beginning his studies 20 years ago.

Mr Spurgeon said: "I must have one of the longest histories at the Open University because I started in 1983, but I had one or two large gaps when I went to theological college and again when I was first ordained.

"I picked it up again in the early 1990s and gradually got the right number of points to getting my degree."

Mr Spurgeon will receive a BA (Hons), which encompasses social sciences, history and theology, at a ceremony in Harrogate on April 12.

Others to receive their degrees will include police sergeant Sarah Priestly, 37, of York; househusband Howard Milson, 52, of Beverley Road, Norton; homework club facilitator Peter Taylor, 48, of Hobgate, York; and housewife Sandra Dow, 54, of Whitby.

Across the UK, 11,500 people will receive their degrees at 27 different ceremonies.

Mr Spurgeon said his course was funded by the diocese of Ripon and Leeds. He said: "Doing an Open University course is not easy. You have got to be motivated to do it and you have got to have a supportive family.

"My faith has helped, and the clergy do have a tendency to be around the home more, but you do have to be very disciplined. Sometimes I had to go out to the library to study so I didn't get distracted."

The Open University's vice-chancellor, Professor Brenda Gourley, said: "For more than 30 years the Open University has removed the barrier that has prevented many people from studying at university.

"The remarkable achievements of our graduates illustrate how a person's potential is able to develop and flourish when given the opportunity."

Updated: 08:55 Thursday, April 03, 2003