I studied for my degree in astrophysics whilst working as a guard on British Rail in the 1970s. From 1989 until 2011 I was Curator of Astronomy at the Yorkshire Museum in York, and in 1998 I was presented with an MBE for services to astronomy and education.

I am a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and have served a term on the council. I also present lectures on cruise ships all over the world, and to various clubs and societies at home. I used to have a monthly astronomy feature on BBC Radio York and  now I have my own weekly Astronomy Show on a community radio station called Drystone Radio, which can be heard on line. I also write a monthly ‘What’s in the night sky?’ feature for the Craven Herald newspaper which covers the Yorkshire Dales.