SOLVING a newspaper puzzle put a fork-lift truck driver on course to study for three degrees.

John Pierre-Madigan, 38, of Lightcliffe Road, Crosland Moor, left All Saints High School at Bradley Bar at 16 with four O-levels.

He had a number of unskilled jobs and was in the Army for three years.

But his life changed totally when, as a crossword buff, he completed a quick puzzle for high IQ society Mensa in a tabloid newspaper and posted his answer off.

Mensa invited him for further tests, where his IQ level was found to be 141, putting him in the top 4%.

John then decided to work for a degree and put a lifetime of undemanding jobs behind him, including eight years as a forklift truck driver.

He said: "It was a sense I hadn't finished my education. My life didn't feel complete."

John now works for the West Yorkshire Probation Service.

His first degree in health and social care took five years part-time at Huddersfield. He was awarded that last year.

He fitted the course around his work as a driver.

John, who married wife Paula in September, 2000, began studying for an MA in social policy and criminology in November.

He is also taking a degree course in community justice, due to end in July.

He hopes to become an associate lecturer at the Open University and may study for a PhD.