Most boys think about being a builder, many like the idea of playing with tractors, and when they are older even the power of a tax inspector.

But not many men would admit to having a burning desire to look after a dozen children all day.

Except for Robin Dalby.

The 42-year-old Bradford childminder is a model example, becoming the first man in the north to pass the national Developing Childminding Practice level 1 course. Today he received his coveted certificate at a City Hall ceremony.

But even to Robin, who has led teams of employees and faced dozens of irate taxpayers in his previous jobs, the task of taking on a house full of children was a daunting challenge.

And he got even more stick from fellow childminding pupils when they found out the course lecturer was his wife Judith, 40, also a qualified minder.

Robin, of Kings Road, Bolton, said: "I got a bit of flak from my mates at first who just couldn't understand why I wanted to become a child carer.

"Even my two sons, Oliver and Ben weren't too sure about it at first. They were worried they might not get their Sony Playstations or Nike trainers because of a drop in income.

"But in 1997 BT was downsizing and they offered me a good redundancy package. I took it and both me and Judith went on a business course to assess the viability of me becoming a childminder.

"I completed Bradford Council's training while I was still at BT so there was no gap between the two jobs."

But there were still the other child carers to face. "I was a bit apprehensive stepping into my first toddlers' group meeting," he said.

"But they were all great. Now I think they mother me a bit."

He added: "The nice thing about all this is that it gives me the chance to blow away all the stereotypes about men looking after children.

"Most dads hardly get to see their children because they're too busy working. I was all around the country with BT.

"I missed out on seeing my boys grow up and the best part of this job is watching the children go from crawling to walking to talking. I love it."

Robin's career change has been backed all the way by his wife, who has been minding since May 1994.

Judith said: "Our set-up is unique because it gives the children both sides of the coin. Most minders work in isolation, but here you have a man and a woman looking after the children.

"There have not been any problems, maybe it's because we are both so relaxed."

But she admitted to being extra cautious to ensure none of the other DCP1 pupils felt wary of the couple's extra-curricular relationship.

She said: "He was a very good pupil but I had to be careful not so show any favouritism.

"His work had to be among the sample marked by another lecturer so there were no comebacks."

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