I qualified as an Environmental Health Officer in 1983 at Leeds Polytechnic and was employed by Harrogate Borough Council as an Environmental Health Officer from 1983 to 1991, when I was promoted to Principal Officer with responsibility for private sector housing which included energy advice, grants for renovation and disabled facilities and enforcement of housing standards in single dwellings and flat and bedsits.

My career in local government has given me a background in administration, policy making and finance as well as an in depth knowledge of planning, housing law, health and safety and environmental law and practice and financial management which I believe will help me to be an effective Parish councillor.

I moved to Bewerley in 1985 and have owned a house here since that date.