FORMER journalist Bill Stanton has proved he's made of the write stuff - by returning to work at 80.

The York pensioner retired in 1979 following a long career which included stints as a teacher, a manager for British Steel and feature writer for the Birmingham Post.

Now Bill, of Fulford, is heading back to the classroom to share his passion for writing with students of all ages at various educational establishments in the city.

Bill's return to work at 80 stands in contrast with the case of super secretary Joan Evans, who earlier this year was shown the door by York Health Trust, which said she was too old at 77 to work for them.

She was quickly snapped up by another city firm.

Bill was approached by the principal of Burnholme Community College and asked if he would be willing to run courses there.

He snapped up the chance. He said: "I'll teach anyone who wants to learn to write whatever they want to learn - except that sort of Barbara Cartland stuff, I won't touch it with a barge pole.

"I am a professional writer and while I have breath in my body I want to help other people to write."

Two years ago Bill, who has seven children and 14 grandchildren, became the oldest mature student to get a degree from the University of York.

Now he will passing on his expertise at Burnholme, as well as running courses at All Saints' Community College and Copmanthorpe Recreation Centre in September.

In his free time Bill has written stories and plays for BBC radio and run correspondence courses for budding authors.One of his proteges has just been put under contract to come up with a film script for Lord Puttnam.

"I don't lecture, I communicate enthusiasm - which is quite another thing," he said.

His first week-long course begins at Burnholme on Monday and will run from 9am to noon each day.Students are welcome to turn up on Monday morning.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.