THE proud sister of a brilliant Gourock student who tragically passed away has collected his Masters degree on his behalf at an emotional graduation ceremony.

Colette Cameron picked up brother Kieran's university honour and shared humourous and poignant stories about him with his tearful lecturers.

She said the poignant event had been a 'lovely day'.

Colette, 22, said: "The lecturers had great stories to tell — after all, most of them had been teaching Kieran for five years so they too kept having a cry.

"The university very kindly gave us copies of Kieran's dissertation and Masters hood to keep."

Kieran, also 22 — a chemical engineering student — passed away on October 1 after collapsing with a suspected asthma attack following complaints of feeling unwell.

The tragedy occurred on the first anniversary of his proudest non-academic achievement — completing the Bank of Scotland Great Scottish 10k Run in aid of asthma and diabetes charities.

Kieran — also a popular part-time barman at busy Gourock pub Cleats — had been tipped for the top in his chosen chemical engineering profession and was set to study for a Doctorate.

Colette said of the graduation day at the University of the West of Scotland: "The private ceremony itself was around 15 minutes with various lecturers describing how they will remember Kieran.

"We went next door for tea, coffee and cakes to talk to each other in a more relaxed setting, and it was a lovely day.

"It was great to meet all Kieran's lecturers."

Kieran's memory will live on through a series of fundraising events for his chosen good causes.

His family intend to honour him further by setting up a chemistry award for upcoming students to compete for.

Colette said: "We are looking to do a charity football game at the end of February or the start of March with some ex-players from Morton and Celtic to raise money.

Dad Steven has also applied to Inverclyde Council to have a memorial bench in Gourock on Kieran's memory.

Colette added: "My dad and me will also be doing the RBS Glasgow 10k too, so I'm looking forward to all that coming up."