THIRTEEN may be an unlucky number for some, but it represents an important milestone for a Radcliffe driving instructor who is celebrating 13 years in the job.

Steve Ramsbottom (44), of Stainton Road, joined BSM in 1984 and has spent the past 13 years helping people with disabilities to get behind the wheel. He specialises in training people with disabilities and older learners, providing tuition through BSM's Mobility programme.

He worked as welder for eight years before completing his initial training with BSM and switching career to become a driving instructor.

"Aside from the buzz I get when someone passes their test, what I particularly enjoy about my job is that I meet so many different and interesting people," said Steve.

"Students with disabilities come from all walks of life and irrespective of whether they have to cope with back braces, crutches or head drains, they are determined not to let their mobility difficulties prevent them from becoming more independent.

"They also have a lot of fun, which is important, because by enjoying their training, they get more out of the experience and a little humour can go a long way in helping to boost their confidence."

Patience is key when training older people, who are taking lessons at age 50 or over and so have invariably been out of the learning environment for many years. Yet Steve says that encouragement along the way is equally as important and gives them the best chance of success.

"Not all the people I teach have severe disabilities. In fact, a large number of Mobility students are older people who want to learn to drive to maintain their independence.

"Of those with disabilities, about 90 per cent are young people who want to broaden their horizons, with the remainder being people who want to retrain to drive an adapted car, perhaps following a spinal injury, and people who need a few refresher lessons to regain their confidence after a stroke."

Steve is one of a team of BSM Mobility instructors based at the Bury BSM centre. All have undergone further professional training at the Queen Elizabeth's Foundation Mobility Centre in Carshalton, Surrey, to ensure they have an in depth understanding of a wide range of mobility problems.

"This is definitely not a routine, nine-to-five job," said Steve. "I meet all sorts of people who are enthusiastic and determined to succeed because they appreciate that driving is a skill which can help open other doors for them," he added. "I can't really imagine doing anything else because it gives me tremendous satisfaction knowing that I can help make a difference."

Information on BSM Mobility training is available from BSM in Market Street, Bury on 761 3824 or online at www.bsm.co.uk