LAST week Shirley Hastings gained a 2.1 Bachelor of Arts degree from Bolton Institute.

Like thousands of others, she swelled with pride when her award was handed over. But for her the journey to the Victoria Hall stage had been longer and tougher than most.

Shirley left school at the age of 15 with no formal qualifications. From the age of three, her mother realised there was "something not quite right".

But 45 years ago there was little understanding of learning difficulties.

With a keen interest in history, geography and reading, Shirley's inability to grasp the practicalities of learning were frustrating.

She suffers from dyspraxia, a learning difficulty which means fitting a light bulb, dialling a phone and driving a car are major obstacles.

Aged 51, Shirley is still unable to drive and she has to ask her brother to change the film in her camera.

In common with dyslexics, Shirley, from Johnson Fold, has difficulty with writing and spelling, but her condition affects the physical aspects of life rather than the academic.

For someone who left school with no qualifications and found the only paths open to her were those which lead into low paid employment, her story for 20 years was one of endless frustration.

Unable to sew, cook or tackle factory work, Shirley spent 20 years ironing and pressing in the rag trade.

"All the time I was anxious to get out and do something. I knew I wasn't stupid, but my slowness stopped me from doing anything I really wanted to," she said.

"Even when I was working I was constantly being pulled up for being too slow until, at the age of 35, I decided enough was enough."

Enrolling on a literacy and numeracy course at Bolton College led to Shirley leaving the college with seven O levels, two A levels and two City and Guilds qualifications.

It was then on to Bolton Institute where she embarked on a degree course in history and urban studies. Shirley completed it with flying colours.

Now with a degree under her belt, she is hoping an employer will recognise she has a great deal to contribute.

"I am and want to be recognised as a valuable member of society. I don't want to be thought of as someone 'not quite right'. Yes, I have a disability, but there's a great deal more to me too."

Shirley is anxious to form a support group for others suffering from dyspraxia and would like to hear from anyone who recognises in themselves any of the difficulties Shirley experiences. Are you a victim? THE Dyspraxia Association, which is fighting for Government recognition and action, can be contacted at: The Dyspraxia Foundation, 8 West Alley, Hitchin, Herts, SG5 1EG. tel 01462 454986. Shirley can be contacted on Bolton 846724.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.