A Bradford schoolboy who became a decorated member of the SAS has used his military know-how to bring out a new book on how to be among the elite.

Floyd Woodrow, 49, who was awarded honours for his bravery, is now a globe-trotting author hoping to become a best-seller.

Mr Woodrow, who went to Wibsey Middle School and Wyke Manor, lived in the city until the age of 16. His mother ran Bradford’s first nightspot called Heartbeat, close to the ice rink, and he still has some family living in the Bradford area.

After moving to the Channel Islands he signed up for the Army at 17 and joined the Parachute Regiment serving for four years before he became one of the youngest SAS recruits – staying with the special services for 22 years and being awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal, the second-highest gallantry medal, for operations in Iraq and then receiving the MBE for his services in Afghanistan.

He studied for a law degree, worked his way up through the ranks to become a Major and by the end of his military career was head of operations for the UK’s Counter Terrorist Wing.

Since 2008 when he left Army life, he has been using the techniques he learned from being in the toughest physical and mental environments to teach motivation, leadership and team cohesion to businesses including the likes of BT and Marks & Spencer, governments, sports teams and police forces around the world.

He says those thoughts and principles are now all in his book, ELITE! The Secret to Exceptional Leadership and Performance.

Mr Woodrow said: “I work predominantly with chief executives and managing directors helping them and their teams and businesses become more effective and efficient. The book covers my thoughts and principles – it’s had strong reviews.”

He now lives in Hereford but travels far and wide sharing his secret on how to achieve exceptional leadership and performance.

Those who have shared in it so far include Olympic athletes, top cricketers and the Welsh rugby team.