Great-granddad picks up degree

Fred Deakin has an IQ of 143

A 72-year-old great-grandfather is graduating from Staffordshire University on Friday with a degree in history.

Fred Deakin, who spent more than 30 years working for Wedgwood, will also have a room at the university named after him.

Mr Deakin, who was a flyweight boxer in the 1940s before turning professional in the 1950s, has an IQ of 143.

The talented scholar has also written a series of books about British boxing legends and was a sports columnist for the Black Country Bugle.

Grandchildren amused

His tutor, Professor Alun Munslow, said: "Fred has been a major supporter through his innumerable donations of books and magazines to our small History Resource Room.

"As a recognition of his substantial contribution over many years we are to re-name the facility The Fred Deakin History Resource Room."

Mr Deakin, who has five children, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, is writing a science fiction novel.

"Being awarded a 2:1 and then having a resource room named after me is a fantastic double - a great honour," he said.

"I've never felt so elated at anything else.

"When I first went to the university the grandkids thought it was funny, hilarious," he added.

"But they got used to the idea and they're all proud now."