DR David Boyes is only just getting used to his new title after being awarding a PhD.

It is quite an achievement for a 44-year-old who left school with only one CSE under his belt.

Now, with his hard-earned doctorate in the bag, he is determined to encourage others to follow in his footsteps.

Mr Boyes is the eldest son of the late Houghton and Washington MP Roland Boyes, who died this year, aged 69, from Alzheimer's Disease.

Speaking from the Peterlee home of his retired teacher mother, Pat, Mr Boyes is modest about his achievement, but keenly aware of how proud of him his father would have been.

A former pupil at Shotton Hall Comprehensive School, in Peterlee, he admits at the time he was far more interested in popular music than in any academic pursuits.

He eventually secured a job as a driving instructor but, by his mid-30s, and then a father of two, he began to feel the need to stretch his mind.

Awarded a mature student place at Sunderland University, he began studying for a BA in politics and history.

"I found it difficult at first, but I was determined to get through,'' said Mr Boyes whose determination eventually saw him named student of the year when he graduated with his degree.

Such was the standard of his work that he was offered the chance to do an MA at Durham University when, again, his thesis was of such a standard he was given the opportunity to do a PhD.

Last week, he was awarded his doctorate for his thesis which focused on the new towns of Peterlee, Washington and Newton Aycliffe.

He has inherited his father's political leanings, and is a Labour member of Easington Parish Council.

His road to academic success has not been an easy one for, as well as undertaking his studies, he also helped his mother each day to attend to his father who stayed at home throughout his debilitating illness.

With his doctorate now confirmed, he said yesterday: "I really want to urge others who missed out when they were at school to think seriously about taking up new studies.

"I am proof it can be done.''

His younger brother, businessman Paul Boyes, was also awarded an MA from Durham University.