Keighley-born Robert Fergus-on-Caissie has proved he can juggle love and study brilliantly.

Robert, 33, met the woman of his dreams and married her while studying for his degree at Warrington Collegiate Institute.

Not only did he wed his true love - Tracey - within weeks of meeting her. In addition, both of the media studies and business management students have come up trumps again by each gaining first-class honours.

Robert was born in Oldfield and educated at Keighley's St Andrew's First School, Highfield Middle School and Greenhead Grammar School. He says: "We'd only known each other for two months before marrying. It was love at first sight."

The couple were married at Keighley registry office in December 1995.

Tragically, Robert's dad David, 52, an Airedale Hospital delivery driver, died of cancer weeks before the couple's final exams.

Robert wore his dad's waistcoat and jacket to the degree-awards ceremony and the pair have dedicated their success to him.

Tracey's mum Elizabeth Caissie says: "It's absolutely tremendous because Robert's dad was diagnosed with cancer in June last year and we knew right from the start that he only had up to six months to live. But he actually lived for 11 months. Robert did hope he'd be able to see him graduate but unfortunately he died just two months before.

"Because Robert and Tracey took time out of college to be with Robert's dad, they had to work night and day to get all their work finished before the deadline. The fact that both of them got firsts is absolutely fantastic."

Robert used to play in a band in Keighley called Moore Cole Caissie Jones. He plays the guitar and keyboards as well as composing.

The couple are presently looking for work and hope to live in Yorkshire.

Tracey is from Salford, near Manchester.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.