KELLY Kilpatrick from Ilminster had a dream of becoming a qualified nurse and working in health and social care.

Her journey started four years ago when she took the first step and enrolled onto the Access to Higher Education Diploma with Somerset Skills & Learning in 2010 and she is now working for the NHS in Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton.

Kelly signed up for the access course classed as a mature student to enable her to gain the qualification needed for university entry to a nursing programme.

Somerset Skills & Learning (SS&L) provides several health and social care learning opportunities across the whole of Somerset, and Kelly said being able to study in Ilminster was perfect.

She said: “After being out of education for a while, I must admit it was a bit of a shock to the system. It was hard work, but found it not only enabled me to gain a place at Bournemouth University within my chosen programme, but it gave me a fantastic foundation which really helped me understand my degree.

“The last four years have gone past incredibly quickly, and when I started the access course I would have never dreamed that I would be graduating as a first class honours student. I am so proud and happy at what I have achieved, and am so glad there were courses within SS&L that helped me to get there.”

The training provider has got a campaign this year called 'Learn 2015 Challenge'. It aims to encourage people to set themselves a challenge that will result in them feeling better about themselves.

A service spokesman said: “The challenge could be to learn a new skill, get fitter or become more qualified just like Kelly.

“It does not matter what the challenge is, as long as it is set. By setting yourself a challenge you create the motivation to change. It could be a massive achievement like Kelly's and you could end up with a degree and a new career, or it could be a small challenge and you end up learning a new skill and getting out once a week with like-minded people.”

To start your own challenge, go online at www.learnsomerset.co.uk, click 'I am looking for a course' and download the guide for your area to discover your challenge opportunity, or drop into your nearest centre in Ditton Street in Ilminster or Boden Street in Chard.