The prospect of walking on to a travellers' campsite to offer the children advice on careers, jobs and education may be a daunting prospect for some people.

But Charles Birch, of Shelf, has a better understanding than most of what the youngsters are going through.

Mr Birch, 29, is the son of a fairground showman and spent his formative years touring fair sites around Yorkshire.

Although he managed to secure a mainstream education close to his regular campsite near Brighouse and, later, at Bradford College, he is perfectly qualified for his role.

Mr Birch is heading up a scheme, pioneered by igen, suppliers of career and personal development services, to provide an advice service specifically for youngsters in the travelling community.

Part of the project involves work with the Connexions service in Bradford to ensure that the youngsters get the same opportunities and access to services that others receive.

It is one of few such programmes in the UK and aims to address the fact that travellers' families often lack a formal education - having moved from school to school - and don't get careers advice at an early age.

"Just because young travellers are culturally different doesn't mean they will follow in their family circles," said Mr Birch. "But their lifestyle means they often don't have access to normal services."

Mr Birch also hands out advice on issues such as sexual health, teenage pregnancy, drugs, legal issues and housing services.

"I am pretty much familiar with the problems and the issues that many young travelling families face," he said.

"Because of my background, I am able to get a bit more involved with these groups. They are a bit more accepting of me and it has proved a really good partnership."

Today Mr Birch said he was confident the service was getting key advice across to youngsters from both gypsy and circus families.

"We are having a really encouraging response," he said. "It is taking off really well and we are getting a lot of self-referrals.

"Already we know - because of the people we are seeing - that there is a significant increase in take-up in these services."