FIVE middle-aged women who decided to get some qualifications have returned to college as teachers.

Janet Birkett, Jane Blackburn, Penny Cortvriend, Anne Marie Coyle and Sarah Stringer all began courses at Ridge Danyers College with barely an O-level between them.

They all did an Access to Higher Education course, equivalent to A-levels and then all went on to gain university degrees.

Now they're all back at the same college, working as teachers and tutors.

They all followed similar patterns, coming back to the college, which has campuses in Marple and Cheadle, after concentrating on family life for years. But they all prove that no matter what one's age, there is always chance to re-educate and find a new career.

Confidence

Janet, from Cheadle Hulme, began the access course at 48, passed her psychology and law modules and went on to gain a university degree.

Now, at 54, she has taken on full-time teaching at the college.

''I had intended to teach from a very young age, but family difficulties and then a family of my own meant I never had any time,'' said Janet. ''People say once you get past 40 that's it, but I was past 50 and found full-time employment. There are the opportunities there. There are shortages of teachers, nurses and doctors there are all sorts of jobs out there.

''We've proved it can be done.''

Jane began the course five years ago, on the same day her daughter started school.

But now she is back at Ridge Danyers tutoring, while she completes her exams to become a full-time teacher.

''Students really appreciate that you have been through the system, and that gives them confidence to do the same,'' said Jane.

Return to Learn courses start at the Marple campus at the end of October. For further information contact admissions on 0161-486-4602.