Most people find it challenging enough to cope with just one career. To master three seems mind-boggling.

But in a working life stretching more than 40 years, 64 year-old John Tyler, has done just that.

But he is still not finished.

His next challenge is to launch his new career as a stand-up comedian on the after dinner speaking circuit, profiting from the humorous anecdotes he has amassed over the years.

"I'll be using a bit of ventriloquism and puppetry in my act and there'll be lots of funny tales, many about my work with young people," said John, of Woodside Road, Silsden.

He has just retired as a senior youth worker in Skipton, after working 47 years with young people.

Ten years ago he took early retirement, aged 56, as chief surveyor with Bradford Council, a post he held for 29 years.

During that time he helped spearhead the development of Keighley leisure pool and the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television in Bradford.

And until he was 50, John, who is married to Brenda, 57, and has two children, served with the Territorial Army working with army cadets and finishing with the rank of Company Commander of Wellesley company Duke of Wellington's Regiment.

"I finish from the youth service on July 31 and I'll immediately start working on my act. It'll be a mixture of after dinner speaking and comedy.

"I've done a lot of after dinner speaking with the army. I've lots of funny stories, some I couldn't repeat in the newspaper.

"My motive is not just to make money but I want to keep my mind active and do something satisfying and challenging," said John, who suffered a stroke seven years ago.

"It was my love of the army and in working with young people which encouraged me to get involved with the youth service.

"I've had to deal with some little tearaways - incidents like lighting fires under the stage and climbing on the roof. But it was only mischief-making and the youngsters have been great."

As a young man living in Stoke he took part in amateur dramatics and still enjoys singing.

He used his love of music to encourage youngsters to join the music club at Skipton youth centre.

And as a senior youth worker over the last four years he has established the Skipton open unit of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

"From a zero base we have now gained 53 bronze, 26 silver and there is a group of eight youngsters pursuing their gold awards," said John.

His friends and colleagues got a taste of his comic skills when he bade farewell to them at a dinner at Skipton Youth and Community Centre on Tuesday.