Hundreds of students graduate today, but when Bruce Byrne receives his degree it will be especially poignant.

At one stage the former police officer feared he might not live to see another day.

Mr Byrne, 58, of Spences Field, Lewes, became dangerously ill during his course.

Soon after completing exams, he underwent a triple heart bypass operation.

He even had his graduation photograph taken early in case he did not make it to today's ceremony.

Mr Byrne, a father of six, said: "I was quite lucky to finish the course because I discovered I had serious heart problems.

"I was living with them right through the exams."

Mr Byrne completed his master of laws degree in international criminal law.

He decided to pursue a second career in law when he retired from Sussex Police.

After completing an access course at South Downs College in Lewes, he took his first degree at Sussex University.

When he graduated in 1999, Mr Byrne decided to take another degree but it was during the two-year course he realised he was ill.

Mr Byrne was able to complete his studies and had his operation at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton in December.

He is now recovering and joined more than 550 students collecting degrees, diplomas and certificates at the Corn Exchange, Brighton.

Awards were given by the university's chancellor, Lord Attenborough.

Mary Davies, 81, of Crawley, was the oldest student graduating.

She received a degree in creative writing. Part of her coursework included poems written in memory of her late husband, Trevor.