After a working life spanning nearly half a century, and including three very different jobs, 64-year-old John Tyler is embarking on a new role - as a stand-up comic.

Most people find it challenging enough to cope with just one career. But John has managed to hold down three and at the age when most people would be looking to retire, 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 funny anecdotes he has amassed from his varied working life 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.

Despite suffering a stroke several years ago, John continued with his career as a youth worker in Skipton. He has worked with young people for a total of 47 years.

Eight years ago, at the age of 56, he took early retirement from his job as chief surveyor with Bradford Council - a post he held for 29 years.

During that time he helped to 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.

Now he plans to start working on his comedy act as soon as he retires from his youth work tomorrow.

"I've done a lot of after dinner speaking with the Army," he said.

"I've got lots of funny stories - some I couldn't repeat in this newspaper!

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

"It was my love of the Army and 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."

As a young man living in Stoke, John 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 and 26 silver awards and there is a group of eight youngsters pursuing their gold awards," he said.

John's friends and colleagues will get a taste of his comic skills when he bids farewell to them at a dinner at Skipton Youth and Community Centre on Tuesday July 31.

But he admits that he may have a tear in his eye.

"It'll be an emotional time, saying goodbye," said John.