I was born in Royton but almost immediately moved to Lees. I lived on Belmont Avenue for a number of years and then at Stamford Rd where my parents used to run a grocers shop called "Allsopp's grocers" aptly enough. I used to "help out" in the shop where possible.

Whilst at the shop I attended the Hey St John's school on Stamford Rd.

From there I moved to Watersheddings and attended the Watersheddings school before moving on to Bluecoat in the town centre.

After leaving school early I tried my hand at a multitude of different jobs. Some of these were, market trader, jewellery salesman, butcher, landscape gardener, door to door sales, porter, handyman, order picker, clerk, concession manager, agency work and ultimately found steady employment with my eldest brother Phil at Virtek Ltd in picturesque Uppermill.

This is where I am currently honing my database, web design and programming skills. These skills helped me design the site you are reading now.

My partner and I have moved back to Lees and are due to marry in Lees toward the end of the current election campaign. Not ideal timing I admit but the wedding came first and I have no intention of moving my wedding to suit. I became a father for the first time last year, have one "adopted" daughter and one cat.

I think my background gives me a fairly unique insight into the problems many different people experience day to day.