73-year-old great-grandad accepts creative writing holiday after GCSE success

The big picture: Davey's academic achievement has not only fulfilled a lifelong ambition but also caught the attention of UK holiday company HF Holidays, who invited him and his wife to a creative writing retreat in the tiny village of Thorpe, less than a mile from the famous Dovedale Stepping Stones.

Why it matters: This story highlights the value of lifelong learning and shows it's never too late to pursue education or new skills.

Key details:

• Davey passed his maths GCSE in 2016 and has now added English to his achievements.

• He won a short story competition as part of his exam preparation.

• HF Holidays offered Davey a place on their Creative Writing and Walking Holiday in February.

• The retreat will take place at HF Holidays' own country house, The Peveril of the Peak, set in the rolling hills of the Staffordshire/Derbyshire border.

• Danny will join others in creative writing workshops, guided walks, and one-to-one sessions with a published author.

What they're saying: Louise Haywood, senior marketing manager at HF Holidays, said, "We're always looking for advocates of learning a new skill, trying something new for the first time, having that zest for life that Danny really has."

Davey said, "I never wrote until I started [Suffolk New College] in September last year. It's 59 years since I went to school. On seeing my GCSE result, I generally felt emotional. I'm amazed.

"Everyone needs a purpose – and there is nothing better than going back to learning.

"I am very, very grateful. It's maybe a first step to getting a little tuition in creative writing, which is my goal. When I was young I used to read a lot of short stories, and I always thought I'd like to do that one day."

The bottom line: Davey's story serves as an inspiration to others considering returning to education or pursuing new interests later in life. Enjoy the holiday, Danny!