A CIVIL servant-turned-teacher has made the grade.

Dad-of-three Jamie Cunningham has graduated from the McMillan Faculty of Education at Bradford College's University Centre.

And he is now teaching eight and nine-year-olds at Ingrow Primary School.

Mr Cunningham, 40, decided on a career change when he was made redundant after two decades in the civil service, spent mainly with the Department for Work and Pensions.

He had to take A-levels before embarking on his BA (Hons) Primary Education course.

"It has been a tough journey but I am really enjoying it," he said.

"As a civil servant I did various jobs, from being front of house paying benefits right through to project management, but I was ready for a change.

"I had always enjoyed going into school on 'dad days' and had done bits of coaching in swimming, football and climbing.

"I enjoyed being around kids, so decided to change direction and become a teacher.

"I am only half a term in, but it is going very well.

"I'm glad I took the risk and have to thank my wife for supporting me through it."

A campaign to attract more teachers to work in the district has seen bus tours laid on by Bradford Council to show trainees around the area and encourage them to work locally.

The tours, which started two years ago, have been credited with helping to recruit more than 200 teachers into Bradford-district primary schools.

Anyone interested in teacher training with Bradford College is invited to attend an open day at the college's David Hockney Building, in Great Horton Road, Bradford, between 11am and 2pm on Saturday (Dec 9).