Student, 86, in the running for jubilee year learning award

Graham Bell, 86, is studying French through the Institute of Lifelong Learning (TILL) at the university and will be 90 when he graduates.

The retired steel worker and Royal Navy veteran has been nominated for the diamond champions scheme which honours volunteers aged over 60.

Away from his studies Mr Bell, from Handsworth in Sheffield, volunteers for various charities and has helped to raise more than £10,000 for organisations including Sheffield Children’s Hospital, Sheffield Royal Society for the Blind and Brunswick Gardens Retirement Village in Woodhouse.

The father of three and grandfather of six says he was “shocked” to be nominated as a diamond champion.

He said: “There is something about the word volunteer – whenever I see it I feel the need to put my name forward.

“It came as a bit of a shock to discover I had been nominated, it is quite an honour.

“As well as helping children to read at school I also support elderly people at the gym four times a week. I make sure they don’t fall off the treadmills and ensure they behave themselves.”

At the age of 60, Mr Bell ran the London Marathon in a very respectable three hours 40 minutes. He continues to run every day and will be taking part in the Great Yorkshire Run next month.

He was awarded an MBE six years ago and began studying French through TILL in 2008.

Mr Bell said: “I have been obsessed with French all of my life and I thoroughly enjoy my studies at the University of Sheffield.

“I currently have two essays to write and I have to make sure I do some reading every day to keep on top of my studies.

“I am always the oldest person in the classes but everyone is so supportive, especially my tutors.

“I will be 90 when I graduate – that’s if I am still alive.”

TILL programme director Dr Sophie Bélot said he was an “outstanding example for people who want to share and cultivate their interests whilst gaining a university degree.”