Surbiton's famous “scooter gran” has received an honorary doctorate from Kingston University.
Sandra Coombs, who is in her 70s, has inspired comments on her youthful spirit as she makes her way around the borough on a foot-powered scooter.
Ms Coombs first joined the university in the late 1990s, graduating with a BA in art, architecture and design history in 2002.
She spent a large part of her career at the BBC where her various roles included working at the Eurovision Song Contest and assisting Latin American broadcasters during the 1966 World Cup.
On January 22 she received an Honorary Doctorate of Arts.
She said: "I came to a degree quite late. Having looked after my ailing parents for a large part of my adult life, I simply didn't have the time or resources to study at that level.
"Yet Kingston University threw open its doors to me in my 60s, and I am eternally thankful for that."
Ms Coombs spent most of her working life at the BBC, where her various roles included working at the Eurovision Song Contest and assisting Latin American broadcasters during the 1966 World Cup.
These days she volunteers with St Raphael’s Church and with the Kingston University chaplain and attends the university's fresher’s fayre every year in support of the KU Christian Society.
She said: "The experience of studying gave me a new lease of life and direction. I also had the golden opportunity to live and study in Spain on an exchange programme.
"I hope my legacy will make a real difference to Kingston's future students, particularly as education becomes more and more expensive."
A spokesman for the university said: “Kingston University is delighted to honour Sandra Coombs with the award of Doctor of Arts honoris causa in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the communities of Kingston and Surbiton, and for her unwavering support of Kingston University.”
- Got a story? Call the newsdesk on 020 8722 6318 or email rachael.burford@london.newsquest.co.uk.
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