EXCITED students embarked on new careers - two days after Riverside College Halton sprang to life.

Successful Access students clinched pieces of paper set to change their lives - the first time many had ever gained a qualification.

"I was numb when I got my results," said mother-of-three Kym Morgan, who is also a gran.

"I loved every minute of the course. It turned my life around."

She is off to Liverpool Hope University to study criminology, days after Halton College merged with Widnes & Runcorn Sixth Form College to form Riverside College.

Mick Powell, 40, who suffered years of excruciating pain through spinal surgery, is thrilled to be preparing for a degree.

He said: "I got mountains of support and all the tutors were so enthusiastic. I hadn't been in formal education for 24 years. It was the best year of my life."

Mother-of-two Collette Woodward longed to become a nurse but couldn't afford to give up her job.

"It was a really stressful time juggling the study with work and family commitments but I had lots of support and made some really good friends. You can do it!"

Father-of-two Steve Miller, of Runcorn, is following in his wife's footsteps - to become a midwife.

"I think I was the only man to apply to study midwifery," said Steve. "I am really delighted to have got a place at university."

Kimberley Leong, of Widnes has suffered ME since she was 13 and received home tuition because of her illness.

She yearned to run her own business and is delighted to be off to the University of Chester to study business and advertising.

She said: "I have always loved studying and with the help of my note taker was able to complete the one year access course."

Taxi driver and father-of-four

Gary Gibbons, aged 44, of Widnes, is looking forward to studying social work at Liverpool John Moores.

He said: "I had been out of education for 25 years and I really enjoyed the course."

Kelly Millar can't wait to start her degree at Edge Hill University.

Adults aged 19 and older who don't have qualifications and wish to progress to higher education can find out more about Access courses by calling 0151-257 2020.