A Keighley businessman has explained how his Open University (OU) degree changed his life.

Since graduating in October, Stephen Bruckshaw, 43, of Laythorpe Terrace, East Morton, has set up his own business and become engaged to a classmate.

Both Stephen and fiance Pauline Heaton, 43, were studying for a social sciences and psychology degree.

Stephen said: "I started with the university five years ago because of my interest in psychology.

"I was based down in Luton, travelling to work in Halifax and then I kicked into the university, met Pauline and that was my inspiration to stay up here.

"We got engaged about a year ago but haven't got round to setting a date for the big day just yet."

As well as assignments and exams, both had to attend three-hour tutorials once a month at Leeds Metropolitan University.

He continued: "I would recommend to anyone to do a degree with the OU though, it certainly changed my life.

"The OU is classic for this because it does bring a lot of people together -- mainly because there's a lot of mature students.

"It is a very, very good quality organisation -- the quality of the tutorials and material is excellent.

"I think it's wonderful in Keighley, far better than down south.

"The quality of life is very good -- living on the edge of the Dales -- you can't beat it."

Stephen has previously held senior positions at Halifax Plc, Capita and the Industrial Society and has been involved in management and personal development for over 20 years.

He is a mentor for the Prince's Trust and now plans to begin an MSc in mentoring and coaching at Sheffield Hallam University in November 2004.

Stephen now runs his own professional coaching company from home called Nialex Associates Ltd.

He added: "I set up the company in October last year and it's been reasonably successful.

"It's a performance developments company working with corporate people and individuals -- a mixture of personal development and life coaching."

He is currently practising a unique training method which involves one-day personal coaching with individuals outdoors at the Yorkshire Dales or the Lake District.

Two other OU students to graduate included Rubina Mahmood of Redcliffe Street (diploma in social work) and Paul Dale of Mytholmes Lane, Haworth.