For the past 18 of my 20 years with Newsquest I consistently identified exciting story and feature ideas which I turned into compelling articles for the Wharfedale & Aireborough Observer/Ilkley Gazette and their parent newspaper, the Telegraph & Argus. By building an extensive network of good professional and community contacts I was able to really dig into the area and used my strong interviewing skills to glean the information and quotes I needed to make each piece of copy sing. My ability to write articulate, detailed copy quickly and accurately while under pressure meant I was able to get the stories submitted for the paper - and increasingly in recent years uploaded straight to the website the moment they were completed, already self-edited and given a headline - in good time no matter how tight the deadline. During my first two years with Newsquest with the Telegraph & Argus (2000 - 2002) I consistently produced engaging articles for a busy Bradford-based daily tabloid, spanning everything from crime and breaking news to writing the paper's dedicated music and business pages which often involved interviewing household names.

This is where I really cut my teeth in journalism. I gained a place with the Harrogate Advertiser through sheer force of will by offering to work for them initially for free to show what I could do, such was my confidence in my writing abilities. After a few weeks my news editor was sufficiently impressed to offer to take me on with a salary and to receive extensive training on the job which culminated with me being awarded an RIM Diploma in Journalism after successfully completing modules in news writing, media law, public affairs and shorthand modules. To support that qualification I had to cover an extensive range of fields including criminal court reporting, sport, inquests, theatre and book reviews, charity campaigns, property reporting and advertorial and more. I produced high quality copy across the board to ensure my modules were consistently completed ahead of schedule.

I was involved in successfully writing and testing software for a number of the firm's high profile corporate clients , primarily in London.The role involved using my IT skills, gained through a Postgraduate Diploma at the University of Stirling, along with my talent for analysis and problem solving to deliver the required IT solutions for each business.

I used my English skills to teach Greek children, aged from 4 to 17, the language at a private school. I was also responsible for creating lesson plans, leading lessons and setting, marking and commenting on homework.