Award-winning working student has big plans to be solicitor

Huddersfield Daily Examiner (Huddersfield, England), May 29, 2006

Byline: Andrew Baldwin ,

reward Helen-Marie Kruger (centre) with playwright John Godber, who presented her with the award, and Helen Kettleborough of sponsors Pace

FROM clerical officer to lawyer . . . that's the plan for Helen-Marie Kruger.

The 30-year-old, of Meltham, says that when she completes her law degree course with the Open University she wants to be a solicitor.

Helen-Marie, who works full-time for Kirklees Council, is in her second year of her degree course and juggles her studies with her job.

Now she has been rewarded for her hard work and dedication by being recognised at the Open University Yorkshire awards.

Helen-Marie was highly praised for her high score in her studies.

She received a cheque for pounds 200, courtesy of award sponsors Pace Micro Technology, of Saltaire.

Helen-Marie said: "After my A-levels I went to university, but dropped out because I couldn't afford it. I decided to take a year out, saying I would go back.

"But I never did.

"I am able to work flexible hours, allowing me to study when I need to. I really want to get a law degree.

"I haven't decided quite what area of law I want to go into, but I know I want to help people. This degree could lead to so many things."

She was presented with the prize by writer/director John Godber and Helen Kettleborough, director of corporate communications at Pace.