They studied between 1940 and 1978, when their courses were not acknowledged as degree level studies

Over 250 women in their 70s and above are to receive honorary degrees at the University of Bedfordshire this weekend, decades after they completed their studies in physical education.

The women, who studied at Bedford College of Physical Education between 1940 and 1978, are receiving honorary degrees after a six-year campaign to prove the three-year courses they completed were worthy of degree status.