Two sisters are to receive honorary degrees at the ages of 90 and 95, more than 60 years after they finished studying.

Eileen Macleod and Maureen Bedford trained at the Bedford College of Physical Education in the 1940s and 1950s, but did not receive formal degree qualifications.

Now they are among hundreds of women who trained as PE teachers in the town between 1903 and the 1970s to be awarded honorary degrees by the University of Bedfordshire.

Maureen, from Little Hallingbury, Essex, said she was "excited" and "proud" to attend a graduation ceremony with her sister Eileen, who lives near Dundee.

Over the decades several institutions offered female only PE teacher training in Bedford, but did not have the power to award degrees.

A former student, Jackie Gregory, said they were paid less than some colleagues who had received no teacher training because they did not have a degree.

Ms Gregory, from Wilmslow, Cheshire, started a campaign for their work to be recognised, and said it was "amazing" that was now happening.