A TORTURED Gulf War pilot whose plight shocked the nation when he was paraded battered and bruised on television is using his experience in a thriving stress management business.

John Peters, who was beaten and starved under the orders of Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein after his Tornado fighter was shot down, is helping businessmen handle the pressure of modern day industry from his home at Mamble, near Bewdley.

The 39-year-old former RAF pilot, who refuses praise for his bravery and, remarkably, does not suffer nightmare recollections of the traumatic time, is delighted with the early success of UPH Ltd.

Mr Peters, who moved with his family to Mamble last August, runs the company from home in partnership with friends Martyn Helliwell and former England rugby union player Rory Underwood. He believes a variety of techniques can ease the strains of today's hectic working schedule.

"We offer advice, in particularly to managers, on how to deal with customers, staff and anybody else who may be causing difficulties, but we don't just deal with stress management," he said.

"We also offer ideas on how to approach problems differently, and how to balance home life, social life and working responsibilities. We take office managers and staff on various team-building trips which help build spirits in leadership, communication and development."

The happier times he now enjoys with his wife Helen, 38, and children Guy, 12, and Toni, 10, are a long way from the desperate situation he endured little more than 10 years ago when he barely survived the seven-week Iraqi interrogation.

"People tell me I'm very strong and courageous, but that's not right because I'm not very big and I was extremely scared at the time," said London-born Mr Peters.

Horrific images of the flight lieutenant's battered face were screened during his time in captivity, where each day he was woken with either a kick or a whack around the head with a pistol.

Mr Peters left the armed forces in July last year.