AN exceptional student will return to the University of Bolton to study a masters after celebrating her first class honours degree.

Shanice Black, from Kearsley, who is registered blind, said there were moments when she did not think she would complete her degree in psychology, psychotherapy and counselling.

But the 22-year-old was overjoyed as she took to the stage, accompanied by guide dog Claude, to receive her certificate on Thursday.

She thanked university staff, her personal tutor, Bolton Sensory Support Service, and her beloved pooch who have helped her along the way.

Miss Black said: "It is amazing to be graduating. There were definitely moments when I didn't think I would actually be able to do it. I'm really happy.

"I have always known that I wanted to work with people. Psychology seemed the best thing because you learn so much about people. I have really enjoyed it."

Miss Black has had Claude, the six-year-old Labrador by her side in every lecture.

She said: "Sometimes he can be a very miserable old man. But he has been in all of my lectures. He has been amazing.

"We were going to give him a cap and gown."

The graduate has also been supported by a team of three people who have given over about 15 hours each week to assist her.

The team has adapted learning materials, transcribed text into braille, and made other course work, such as diagrams and flow charts, accessible via a screen reader as well as liaising with lecturers and providing lesson support.

Robyn Watson, of Bolton Sensory Support Service, said: "I'm really proud of Shanice. She has worked so hard and proved all of the people wrong who have said to me in the past "Why would you support a blind student at university, what are they going to contribute to society?"

"She is amazing and inspirational and I feel quite humbled to work with her."

She added: "Claude has totally transformed her life. On the day that she first qualified to work with him she walked into Bolton Sixth Form College for the first time ever in her life on her own and it was throwing it down, the weather was horrendous, it was windy, it was cold but, she was smiling from ear to ear.

"Just having independence is what Claude's brought about and he's quite naughty at times but he's a lovable rogue. The transformation in Shanice's life is absolutely massive."

In the new academic year, Miss Black will return to the university to undertake a masters in positive psychology.

She said: "I want to develop some extra skills before hopefully going into employment."