Sportsman's job is for the birds...

The former semi-professional played in France, as well as with Middlesbrough Mohawks and Hull Wasps in National League Division One of the England Basketball League.

Now he has been appointed as community education and outreach officer at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

Mr Race, 42, who lives in Scarborough with his wife and young family, will be working with schools and community groups in East and North Yorkshire.

His aim is to enthuse them about the seabirds that every year make the nature reserve between Bridlington and Scarborough their summer home.

A keen wildlife photographer, he was previously employed by North Yorkshire County Council, working with seven Scarborough schools, organising out-of-school and holiday activities.

He said: "I fell under Bempton's spell on my first visit to the reserve – and I've been hooked ever since. The sight, sound and smell of 200,000 seabirds raising their young on these awesome chalk cliffs is simply magical."