THE trauma caused by the tragic loss of a friend encouraged miner Alex McDougall to set up a counselling service for his work colleagues.

When Mr McDougall, 39, was at secondary school he was classed as "remedial" and teachers did not bother with him, he recalls.

He has now graduated with a first-class honours degree in Education from the University of Sunderland.

This major change in his life started after a very close friend killed himself. The incident had a major impact on his life and Mr McDougall received counselling for the trauma it caused.

It was while receiving counselling that he realised an interest in the subject. The therapy led to Mr McDougall, from Guisborough, east Cleveland, doing a course at Redcar College and then a Cert Ed in Post secondary education at Hartlepool College before going to the University of Sunderland.

During this time, he has helped set up and co-ordinate an in-house counselling provision at the Cleveland Potash mine, where he works.

Mr McDougall has transformed counselling provision for miners at the North Yorkshire plant.

His final-year work at Sunderland looked at the possible links between low levels of emotional intelligence, such as assertiveness and empathy, and high levels of stress related absenteeism.

Mr McDougall said: "I must admit, a few years ago I didn't think I would be receiving a first-class honours degree and be responsible for a counselling service.

"When I look back at my time at secondary school, which was not good, I can't believe what I have now achieved.

"I still can't believe what I am doing now and that I have a degree.

"To have a degree is brilliant, and to get a first is unbelievable - it really boosts your confidence. It proves that with determination, support and belief, you can achieve your goals."