RETIRED businessman Malcolm Bishop has proved that you are never too old to learn - by passing an A-level in German.

Mr Bishop, 79, admitted he had threatened to quit the demanding course, but he stuck it out to pass at Grade C. Now he is considering studying Italian.

He said: "Part of the exam was coursework and I had to write four long essays. At times it has been pure hell. But it is interesting to learn a language. It's fun. You have to keep your mind going otherwise you turn into a vegetable. Now I'm considering going to sing in a choir."

Mr Bishop plays with an orchestra and is a keen player and teacher of bridge.

Mike George, of Manchester Adult Education Service, said he hopes Malcolm's success will be an inspiration to others. "You are never too old to learn," he said. "Mr Bishop is a fine example. He's already thinking about what course to do next".

For course information, ring 0161-881 0002.