AS a youngster, Stephen Bell OBE gave his all on the sports field.

A talented cricketer, his ability captured the attention of Durham county scouts, who invited him to showcase his skills.

Nowadays, that drive and determination is focused on another area.

He is group chief executive of Changing Lives, a charity providing support services for thousands of vulnerable people and their families affected by homelessness and addictions.

Its accommodation services helps put a roof over people’s heads, with support for people sleeping rough, experiencing mental health problems or suffering from violence.

Its services also offer women training programmes and confidence building schemes, with teams working with parents and carers to help adults and children going through family breakdowns, separations or divorce.

It employs 380 staff and helps thousands of people every week, with bases across the North-East.

Mr Bell, from Stanley, County Durham, has worked for Changing Lives for more than 15 years.

He previously had a spell with bus operator Go-Ahead, moving through roles including finance manager and operations manager.

He said: “We offer life-changing support to people who are in need of our services.

“About 70 per cent of our help is for women and 15 per cent is for children.

“We run it with a private sector mentality and a public sector ethos, focusing on individual needs.

“A strong part of our work is that one in four of our people have benefited from our services.

“They have come through the other end and want to give something back.

Mr Bell said his time with Go-Ahead gave him a solid foundation to carry out his current role.

He said: “I was in middle management and got to do a lot of different things.

“At the time you don’t really think about it, but looking back it gave me a good grounding and a place to learn my trade.”

Those skills will be utilised again as Changing Lives looks to continue its expansion.

He added: “We have got a plan to double in size in the next three years.

“We have always have a good balance sheet and looked after that part of the business very well.

“There is a warmth and a buzz among the staff to achieve more.”

Five minutes with...Stephen Bell OBE

Favourite North-East building and why?

I love Lumley Castle as I live not too far away. My favourite, however, and it's not really a building, has got to be the Angel of the North. I really didn’t like it when it was first put up but now, when travelling away anywhere, when you see this it really brings a sense of belonging to the North-East.

What was your first job and how much did you get paid?

I did the paper round as a boy thing but my first real job was a junior personnel clerk for the Northern Bus Company. I can’t remember exactly what the wage was but it was approximately £65 per week.

What is the worst job you've had?

I have been very fortunate, I have only worked for two companies and I worked with some great people in both. I have never wanted not to come to work so in that way I am very fortunate to have no bad jobs.

What would you cook for me if I came around for dinner?

Lamb roast, with all the trimmings and hot apple crumble and ice cream for dessert.

What would your superpower be?

Fortune telling – which is guess work based on a huge slice of reality.

Name four people, dead or alive, who would be at your perfect dinner party.

Geoff Boycott, Sir Bobby Robson and Seve Ballesteros. Sport has played a big part of my life, in particular cricket, football and now golf. I have always been a huge fan of David Jason too. I think he would great company with the three sportsmen.

Most expensive thing you've bought - other than car or house - and how much?

I don’t really buy many expensive items, but it would have to be custom fit golf clubs. If anyone has seen me play they may think this was difficult to believe but they cost about £650.

Who is the best person to follow on Twitter and why?

Interesting one here. I would go for the controversial and not so popular Joey Barton. Love him or hate him, he is hugely entertaining and says things some people think but are too afraid to say. He also says things which you makes you think, 'Joey, Joey...'

Favourite book?

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Trilogy by the late great Stieg Larsson. A fantastic read and an unbelievable story. The films do not do the books justice.

When did you last cry?

Things get to me now more than ever, it was a couple of weeks ago watching Britain’s Got Talent. Any parent who doesn’t get upset watching the two teenage boys, Bars and Melody, one who suffered bullying himself singing about what actually happened to him then I am not sure what would upset you. If you haven’t watched the clip, go to Youtube and watch it, very sad and also very brilliant.

What is your greatest achievement?

Work wise it would be helping to create and shape a small local charity to a medium to large sustainable national charity. On a personal note, for the last three-and-a-half years I have done shared-care with my two children. Times were tough but this forged an exceptionally strong bond between the three of us. I now live with my new partner and all four of us get along great, which is all you can ask for.

What's the best piece of advice in business you've ever been given?

Make mistakes, don’t be afraid to make mistakes and allow others to do the same.

Favourite animal and why.

A Labrador. Loyal, loving and dependable.

Most famous person on your mobile phone.

My daughter, Chloe.

What was the last band you saw live?

Queen with Paul Rodgers. It was a brilliant concert in which Brian May excelled. I always knew he was good but to listen to him live made the hairs on the back of my neck stand-up.

Describe your perfect night in.

At home with the family, having a barbecue playing a couple of daft games and then watching something light hearted on the television.

In another life I would be...

Mike Ashley, to try and find out what exactly he intends to do with Newcastle United and then invest his fortune in Ronaldo.

Who would play you in a film of your life?

My son Scott, as I plan to be here for a long time to come.

What irritates you?

Telling lies, which leads to disloyalty, if you don’t trust someone you cannot work with them.

What's your secret talent?

If I told you it wouldn’t be a secret and I couldn’t surprise people at get-togethers.