Bradford has been chosen to train a new generation of professionals - in pawnbroking.

The Bradford office of pawnbroker Harvey and Thompson has been chosen as the base for a new training centre.

And graduates from across the north and Scotland will be descending on Bradford to learn the tricks of the trade.

Among the training given to the trainees is a simple induction, an introduction to jewellery and customer service training.

The training suite has been created above the shop at the James Street business, with computers and other training facilities.

Harvey and Thompson is the UK's largest chain of pawnbrokers and is owned by Cash America, which operates 500 pawnbrokers worldwide.

A spokesman for Harvey and Thompson said they took their training very seriously.

"There are certain things they nee to know like the quality of gold and how much can be borrowed on it.

"And they also look at valuing gemstones."

The trainees then look to acquire professional qualifications, known as Jet 1 and Jet 2."

The spokesman said the business was appealing to young professionals.

"It's a profession that is appealing to young graduates as it gets better known.''

And he said the old image of cheap goods pawned for a few quid was being lost.

"As far as we are concerned its just another area of financial services. It may be slightly specialised but its no different from going into a bank and negotiating a loan."

Among those who has undergone training is Tom Hollings, of Nab Wood, Bradford.

The former chef, who gave up a life in the hills of Andorra in northern Spain, to become a pawnbroker said he was delighted by his change in career.

"My dad is a jeweller and he told me about a job at Harvey and Thompson just before Christmas," Tom said.

"It wasn't a job I knew a great deal about until I got into it and now it has grabbed me."

And for Tom, it is the customers, his colleagues and the unusual nature of the job are the most appealing factor.

"It is really good fun and a great job," he added.

And for the bosses that helps business progress.

"The organisation is growing quite comfortably at the moment - its not affected by recession or boom it is just steady progress," the spokesman said.