A UNION boss has turned to motorcycling in a bid to promote environmentally-friendly transport.

Born-again biker Simon Jones, 37, national executive member of the National Union of Teachers (NUT), will now be dashing between appointments on his new Suzuki DL-650.

The Blackburn union secretary, of French Road, has ditched four wheels for two to save time on congested roads, ease parking problems and reduce fuel consumption.

"I want to save time as I travel throughout Lancashire and I hope it will cut exhaust emissions and encourage other professionals to do the same," he said.

"There a lots of reasons for learning to ride and getting round to fulfilling a dream is certainly part of it.

"I have always loved motorbikes from being small, and my two oldest sons, Edward and Arthur, have already started riding pillion with me. They are just seven and eight and look really cool in their own little helmets and protective gear."

"I also convinced myself it was less environmentally damaging than using a car and it saves me time and money travelling between all my meetings."

Even his wife, Karen, who teaches the reception class at Intack Primary School, Blackburn, has caught the biking bug and bought her own leathers so she can ride on the back of the machine.

Simon taught in central London before moving to work in schools and the NUT in Blackburn in 1994.

He used to ride a learner 125cc motorcycle but, now he has passed his test, he has swapped it for a bigger bike after work with the West Pennine Motorcycle Training. He said: "It's important for people to reconsider their stereotypical issue of bikers as either boyracers or Hell's Angels.

"I have already caused quite a stir by turning up in my leathers to appointments!

"I really want to encourage other professionals, who like me don't fit into a biking stereotype, to think about taking it up."

And he added: "My 60-year-old mother-in-law is now very keen on motorbikes and rides pillion with me.

"Getting my bike has even stirred her and grandad into getting one, too."

Headteacher at Cedar's Infant School in Blackburn, Liz Beaumont, said: "Simon had to call in recently for a routine meeting. He caused quite a stir among some of the colleagues but I believe he should be judged on the quality of his advice, not on the suit he wears!"