A FORMER police chief has turned teacher by setting up his own skills training centre for construction workers.

Peter Walker has set up SuperSkills Construction Training to offer training to workers in the region.

The former North Yorkshire Police deputy chief constable has set up at Thirsk Auction Mart.

He launched the venture with his wife Suzy, a Thirsk schoolteacher, offering courses in plastering, tiling, bricklaying, joinery and decorating.

Mr Walker, 52, of Bedale, who spent 30 years in the police, set up the centre to cater for workers and those interested in DIY.

His instructors at the Bakey Lane centre are experienced and the courses provide practical lessons such as plastering a wall.

Mr Walker said: "Making the training realistic is the only way to help people learn.

"As a result, we have absolute beginners arriving at the start of a course, who leave four days later fully able to plaster or tile a room.

"Many clients want to become self employed.

"I give them advice on the various approaches and some of the pitfalls to avoid."

Pupils can also approach the instructors for advice after completing the course too.

He is a qualified business advisor and has been a director of UK business for Sepura Ltd.

The centre is hosting an open day on July 8 between 10am and 5pm. Anyone who books a course on the day gets a ten per cent discount.

For more details about the courses available phone Mr Walker on 07766-401181.