ALEXANDRA Gordon always wanted to study for a degree in art, but in her earlier life it never happened.

She joined the services in 1970 and thought her chance to stretch herself artistically might have gone forever.

In the years that followed her life took many a turn and she began to suffer from depression.

This spiralled until she had a breakdown in the 1990s.

It was at that point that Alex realised her life had to change and she enrolled at UCW on the art and design with combined studies.

During her final year of study she helped her fine art tutor with a research project into mental health in art for students and produced two pieces of work and several photographs. These have since been used in a series of postcards to illustrate a number of different aspects of mental health.

Alex, who lives in St John's, Worcester, is currently the artist in residence between UCW and the Worcester City Community, based at Worcester Cathedral and on campus.

Next year she will be mounting a solo exhibition.