A great grandfather has said he felt emotional after gaining his English GCSE - 59 years after leaving school.

Danny Davey, 73 from Ipswich, left  education at the age of 14. He returned to Suffolk New College to study a GCSE in English and ended up with a grade 6 in the subject.

The father of four children, grandad of ten and great grandad of two, said: "I never wrote until I started here in September last year.

"It's 59 years since I went to school.

"Growing up, I went to about 15 different schools, left school at 14, got a holiday job and never went back.

Danny Davey pictured with his wife Cheryll at Suffolk New CollegeDanny Davey pictured with his wife Cheryll at Suffolk New College (Image: Suffolk New College)

"I’ve always wanted to learn and improve myself – you should never stop learning – personal development is everyone’s responsibility."

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Mr Davey, who was a roofer, added: "I came here to Suffolk New College to learn the rules of writing. On seeing my GCSE result, I generally felt emotional. I’m amazed.

"My message to others is that everyone needs a purpose – and there is nothing better than going back to learning.

"If I could give my 14-year-old self some advice it would be go back to school.”

Danny Davey is congratulated by Suffolk New College Principal and CEO Alan Pease on his GCSE result in EnglishDanny Davey is congratulated by Suffolk New College Principal and CEO Alan Pease on his GCSE result in English (Image: Suffolk New College)

Mr Davey also won a writing competition organised by the college earlier this year.

In 2016 he got a C grade in maths that was also studied at Suffolk New College.

Mr Davey was one of 216 learners to complete their GCSEs and gain a grade four or above in English at the college.

51 more people than last year who were able to achieve the grade in the subject.