The Radcliffe-based single mother achieved the feat at Bolton University in business studies.

Francine admitted: "It was quite a battle studying, with three children so close in age, all on my own."

Her son, Charlie, 11, starts at Manchester Grammar School next month while 10-year-old twins Olivia and Alexandra will begin their final year at King David Junior School.

Francine opted to study while the children were small so that she would be better qualified to work full time when the children were at secondary school.

But her joy was marred last week when thieves broke into her Outwood home stealing, among other things, her computer which contained her degree essays and dissertation.

Francine said: "Fortunately I had back-up copies."

Encouraged by her first class results, Francine will continue her studies at Manchester Business School where she will be working towards a masters in human resources and industrial relations.

She added: "I am hoping for a job in human resources, as human capital is becoming a huge part of strategic management."