A DAD-of-two from Darwen who thought he had missed out at school was singled out for his achievements at a lavish graduation ceremony.

Ben Armstrong, 33, received the Ede and Ravenscroft Award for Outstanding Achievement as he graduated from University Centre at Blackburn College.

Ben, of Baron Street, joined the foundation degree in community coaching and sports development with no formal qualifications and graduated with a distinction.

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He had spent the previous nine years working in a factory as a warehouseman, and went to summer school at college to prepare himself for the leap into higher education.

Ben, who is engaged to Marie, and has two daughters, aged eight and two, is now looking into launching a teaching career.

He said: “After my second child was born I realised I’d had enough of working in the warehouse and my life had to change.

“It didn’t bother me going back to college as an older student as I still feel young anyway and the whole experience was all new to me.”

Ben was put forward for the award by programme leader Jo Almond who felt he had worked harder than anyone else.

He said: “It came as quite a surprise, and being recommended for it is brilliant.”

As part of his course, Ben has now qualified as a coach in several sports disciplines.

He has progressed on to the BSc (Hons) community coaching and sports development programme, and is considering doing a PGCE.

He said: “You only live once. I feel like I missed out at school but now I have done it and it just shows what you can do when you put your mind to it.”