A PENSIONER from Worcester has proved it's never too late - by learning to read and write at the age of 79.

Joyce Patrick, now 83, couldn't even sign her name four years ago.

But now she is able to enjoy a range of books and newspapers and even reads to a friend who is unable to get out.

Mrs Patrick, of the Bull Ring, St John's, said: "It has opened up a world of opportunities for me. I am so pleased that I had the courage to actually learn."

The great-grandmother has now been awarded the regional senior adult learner's award 2007 from the National Institute of Adult and Community Education. The award is presented to adults who have achieved long-held ambitions and transformed their lives.

Mrs Patrick will be presented with a certificate at a ceremony next week to mark national adult learners' week.

She said: "I am delighted to have won this award. It is very flattering."

Mrs Patrick said she was not encouraged to attend school as a child and finally decided to take the plunge to learn to read and write after the death of her husband nine years ago.

"I was talking to a friend and said that I would like to learn to read and write," she said. "And my friend told me about a place where I could do it."

Mrs Patrick has been attending an "improving your reading and writing" class at Worcester Workers' Educational Association (WEA) in Angel Centre, Angel Place, for two hours a week over the past four years.

She even persevered after breaking both her legs while shopping in Merry Hill two years ago.

"The first book I read was The Book Boy by Joanna Trollope and it was a real achievement for me," Mrs Patrick said.

"The first thing I learned to write was my name, as I couldn't even do that.

"My husband used to deal with everything but when I lost him I decided it was time that I got independent. I would encourage anyone who wants to learn or improve their reading and writing to have the courage to do it. You are never too old to try something new."

Jan Hall, spokesman for the WEA, said: "Joyce has given inspiration to other learners in the class as an older learner who persevered and achieved amazing results."

Anyone interested in finding out about courses offered at the WEA can call Mrs Hall on 07896 246703 or visit www.

westmidlands.wea.org.uk

BRITAIN'S ILLITERATES* Up to five million adults in the UK have the same or worse literacy skills than those expected of 11-year-olds.

* Since 2001, the number of adults in the workforce without a level 2 qualification has reduced from 7.1 to 6.8 million.

* It is estimated that about 16 per cent of the adult population would fail to pass an English GCSE exam.

* 12 per cent of young adults said they had problems with reading, writing, spelling or basic maths.

* Since 2001, 2.4 million adults across England have taken up 4.8 million courses in literacy, language and numeracy skills. More than 750,000 of these learners have gone on to achieve nationally recognised qualifications, such as GCSEs.