A GRANDMOTHER with a thirst for knowledge is celebrating after collecting her fifth degree from the University of Reading.

Anne Latto, 85, a mother of two and grandmother of five, picked up her PhD in Storytelling from the Department of Film, Theatre and Television (FTT), 36 years after she first studied at Reading as an undergraduate this week.

The former drama teacher of 10 years at Little Heath School achieved a 2:1 in Film and Drama in 1981.

Mrs Latto, from Emmer Green, also holds an MA in Film and Drama and Cognitive Evolution, as well as an MPhil in Film.

She said: “The reason I did five degrees is because I got bored. I love knowledge.

"I like to find out how human beings operate and function, and how we convey ourselves in performance.

Reading Chronicle:

“My hometown is Reading, so it was natural consider the town’s university, but I was very impressed with the initial welcoming day and the curriculum on offer. For the PhD I had two supervisors – Professor Lib Taylor and Dr Teresa Murjas – who gave me immense encouragement and advice.

“I don’t make people call me ‘doctor’, or anything. I am much prouder of my five grandchildren.”

Given her keen interest in studying the performing arts, it is no surprise Mrs Latto is also an actress herself.

She attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, with alumni such as Richard Attenborough, Sean Bean, Joan Collins and Tom Hiddleston She eventually decided to call it a day on the 'long hard slog' of trying to make it professionally.

Mrs Latto remains an active member of Progress Theatre in Reading and Wokingham Theatre.

She is a member of the Society of Storytelling and is actively involved in the University’s Museum of English Rural Life as a volunteer guide.