MOST people look forward to a bit of rest and relaxation when they reach the winter of their lives.

But slippers and hot chocolate are not for brainy bachelor boffin Derek Braddock who has just been awarded his Masters in Philosophy... at the tender age of 79!

He always yearned to get a degree but was far too busy as a dedicated parish vicar to reach his goal.

So, having never gained any formal qualifications, he waited until he retired in order to achieve a lifetime ambition.

Derek, who lives in a Poynton nursing home, has just spent the past SEVEN years researching and writing his 30,000 word thesis on Christian socialism in Victorian Lancashire.

And the clergyman, who left school at 15 with no formal qualifications, had painstakingly written every word by hand so it could be typed up by a friend.

As Derek was not well enough to go to his graduation, two staff members from the University of Bolton came down to Clumber House Nursing Home on Dickens Lane to present him with his certificate.

Derek, who has grown increasingly frail after a bout of illness, has just moved into the Poynton nursing home to be near his younger brother, Malcolm, 72, who lives in neighbouring Woodford.

And although the dedicated Christian said he will not continue his studies with a doctorate, he certainly will not be idling his time away!

The keen historian, who is originally from Macclesfield, said: "As long as I've got an interest it keeps me going.

"I'm very happy about the way things have worked out, but I've gone as far as I would like to academically.

"I enjoy dabbling in Scottish history after spending many enjoyable holidays north of the border, so will continue to read about that subject."

After retirement, Derek moved to Lancashire, where he spent much of his working life, and began his academic achievements with a degree in history and literature at the university of Bolton in 1987.

He said: "I always wanted to do a degree but didn't have the time while I was a parish priest. After the degree I felt I ought to continue with something interesting.

"The subject of socialism in Victorian England fascinated me and I wanted to see what my potential was."

When asked what it was like to go to university and be considerably older than everyone else, Derek said: "I really enjoyed going back to lectures and have always enjoyed working with and talking to young people.

"I've also gone back to listen to a few lectures while doing my masters because I really enjoy it."

A Maxonian born and bred, Derek grew up and lived in the town for many years before moving to Lancashire.

He was born in 1925 and lived on Northgate Avenue and went to Macclesfield Central School.

After leaving school at 15, he went to work for a textile exporter in Manchester. In 1943, Derek was called up to the war effort and joined the Royal Army Pay Corps and spent most of the four years in the south of England.

After he was demobbed Derek went to work at another textile company in Congleton. It was then he had a calling from God and went off to Lichfield Theological College in Staffordshire at the age of 30 to train in the ministry.

He was ordained in 1959 by the Bishop of Manchester, William Greer, at Manchester Cathedral and moved to his first parish in Droylsden. The vicar then moved to different parishes around Lancashire before spending five years in Ellesmere Port before he retired to Clifton, Lancashire.

  • THE oldest graduate in the world is American Mozelle Richardson, who was aged 90 when she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism.