Born 1952 in Ashbourne, Derbyshire and went to school there until 1970. Returned to live in Ashbourne after retirement in January 2003. In between spent 4 years at Christ's College, Cambridge reading maths then 28 years working for Royal Sun Alliance in Liverpool initially in actuarial work but mostly on the design and integration of computer systems.

Single with two brothers and a sister none of whom have any interest in bridge.

Learnt bridge from library books having decided from newspaper columns that it looked an interesting game. Right there - an excellent decision! Played with with school friends and arrived at Cambridge a keen but somewhat clueless player. That had to change quickly when the competition included Richard Benstead, Brian Callaghan, Steve Barnfield, Richard Fleet, Richard Granville and Graham Kirby. Emerged from Cambridge 4 years later with bridge game transformed to something resembling competent.

In 1977 formed regular partnership with Graham Kirby which lasted 20 years. The partnership represented Great Britain in 2 Bermuda Bowls, 2 Olympiads and 7 European Championships with the highlights being a gold medal in the 1991 European Championships and a silver medal in the 1987 Bermuda Bowl. In domestic bridge the partnership won 6 Gold Cups and represented England in 31 Camrose matches (won 28, lost 3).

Formed a new partnership with Danny Davies after Graham withdrew from international bridge in 1997.  Won the round robin stage of the English trials for the years 2002-2004.  Represented England in the 2002 European Championship and 6 more Camrose matches (won 6, lost 1). Formed another new partnership with John Holland when Danny temporarily moved to San Francisco in 2005 and finished in the the top 4 of the English trials each year from 2005 to 2008.  Represented England in the 2006 European Championship and 3 new format Camrose weekends. 

Since retirement in 2003 has played with various different partners in overseas competitions.  Had particular success in winning the NEC Cup in Japan four times, two with Paul Hackett and two with Brian Callaghan.

Represented England again in the 2008 European Championships.

Main interests outside bridge are orienteering, hill walking and classical piano music.