A 90-year-old Croydon man has been commended in the House of Commons for his commitment to lifelong learning.

Despite his years John Wannell has been studying a number of courses at John Ruskin College, Selsdon.

Mr Wannell had been unable finish his studies at school due to a bout of ill health, but he refused to be deterred, returning to education by attending night school classes.

Since attending John Ruskin he has already completed classes in computing, knowledge he hopes to put to good use by assisting his wife, who teaches the hard of hearing.

Jennifer Sims, principal of John Ruskin College, said: "John is a very determined man and keeps himself healthy and active. I think it is an excellent example of the benefits of life long learning. It goes to show how learning can continue no matter what stage of your working life you are at."

Two other Croydon students were also commended for their learning success stories.

Mohamed Abdi, a student at Coulsdon College, won the young learner's award in recognition of the huge barriers he had overcome to become a star student.

Mohamed came to Britain as an asylum seeker after he and his family fled Somalia.

He is now in his second year at Coulsdon College studying A-levels in chemistry, biology and maths, and has already achieved an AS qualification in French.

Mohamed is now concentrating on achieving his dream of being the first person in his family to go to university.

Bryon Cole, 19, from John Ruskin College, was also recognised as an outstanding learner at the ceremony on May 15.

May 29, 2003 09:30