Denise Beveridge has every reason to feel proud.

She has just received a BSc degree from the Open University despite undergoing six painful operations.

Now she can stand alongside other Sussex students to collect her certificate in a graduation ceremony.

Mrs Beveridge, 36, from Steyning, began studying for her psychology degree in 1994.

Since then, she has undergone operations to treat severe endometriosis, a condition caused by a build-up of tissue in the abdomen which leads to pain and bleeding.

It affects her womb, ovaries, liver and bowel, but she never gave up her dream of gaining a degree.

She said: "I started psychiatric nursing in 1989 but I had to stop the following year because of pains in my back.

"I went into hospital just a few weeks before my first exam but I was so determined to achieve something.

"In the early years my health was so bad the degree gave me something to focus on.

"The condition is very painful but if I had just given up I would have nothing. I've proved to myself that I can achieve a lot."

Mrs Beveridge is not alone in feeling proud of herself.

Joanne Stevens, 33, a single mother from Hailsham, balanced her studying with caring for her son, Matthew, and a full-time job.

She graduates today at a ceremony in the Dome, Church Street, Brighton.

She was awarded a BA in psychology from the Open University and hopes to enroll on a counselling course.

She said: "It has taken me about ten years of studying from start to finish but there was something inside me that really wanted to do it.

"I have worked full-time or had four or five part-time jobs during the course and used to study at all hours.

"I was working in a grotty pub earning £2.50 an hour when I decided to do the degree.

"I thought 'why am I here pulling pints for these horrible people who come in? Why not do a degree instead?'.

"It has been a struggle but it has been worth it.

"I couldn't have done it without the support of my parents and son."

Father and daughter Roger and Kate Selby are both graduating today with honours degrees.

Mr Selby, 56, of Tamarisk Way, East Preston, studied for his BSc while flying Boeing 747s for British Airways.

He lives with his wife Annette and they have four children, Kate, 26, Faith, 17, Simon, 39, and Marcus, 28.

He said: "About seven years ago I decided to start a degree. I have two A-Levels that I got in 1964 but I've always been interested in astronomy, physics and maths.

"I studied all over the world and in lots of hotel rooms but really enjoyed it. Some of the exams were horrific but it was worth it.

"It's quite unusual for a father and daughter to graduate at the same time. I'm so proud of Kate."

Kate Selby studied for her BSc in psychology while working in shops and supermarkets. She hopes to become a child psychotherapist.

She said: "It was hard work and took me six years but I thought I could probably give it a go.

"I didn't think I needed a degree but then realised if I wanted a good career I should have one. I was motivated by my dad doing a degree. It's great to graduate together."