I was born in Hyde, Cheshire and moved to Dukinfield in the 1970s through marriage. I have 3 children and 9 grandchildren. I was educated at Greenfield Boys School and after leaving school worked in numerous jobs including working for Acrow as a welder for 15 years.

I have been a Justice of the Peace since 1992 and also represented Tameside Metropolitan Council as a Counsellor since 1994 representing Dukinfield. A former Mayor of Tameside Borough in 2000.

Previously I was Chairman of Stalybridge and Hyde Referees Association for 10 years and School Governor in Dukinfield for over 10 years.

I have been a Trustee at Willow Wood for the last 11 years. I have great knowledge of the borough and the people who live in Tameside.