IT S soon to be farewell to Tony Kent police officer, and hello to Tony Kent counsellor. The 40 year-old March man, a community support officer who works in Milton Keynes, is about to go solo and set up his own counselling service, covering areas includin

IT'S soon to be farewell to Tony Kent police officer, and hello to Tony Kent counsellor.

The 40 year-old March man, a community support officer who works in Milton Keynes, is about to go solo and set up his own counselling service, covering areas including stress management and drug abuse.

He was awarded a diploma in counselling from the Institute of Natural Healing.

The qualification is part of a portfolio of degrees and diplomas he has acquired, covering mind therapy, psychotherapy, and hypnotherapy.

"I have done natural healing because it teaches what I stick to in my daily life", he said.

"I don't believe in chemical or drug-related therapies, and always try to go for the natural alternative if possible."

Mr Kent, who was born in Cornwall, says he left school with few qualifications.

"I come from a poor background and know what it's like to cope with bereavement," he said.

"I have been starving, homeless, and have been in debt, so I can empathise with people and their problems."

He has worked mainly in business finance. He moved to March in July 2005 and has worked as a community support officer for 14 months.

"I will miss the force," he said.

Over the next six months he will be looking to buy a bigger house so he can set up his own practice with a consulting room, and work from home.

He is engaged to Kirsty Millar, a teacher, who he says, "is very supportive and has worked hard to help me".

He plans to eventually give up his job with the police when he has established his counselling business.

"I enjoy interacting with people and I am not out to make lots of money from my new business, just to earn enough to live on," he said.

CONTACT: Tony Kent on 01354 659162.