A REALITY TV star has started a new career in learning support by encouraging two hard workers to start cycling.

Carl Owen, who found fame and an apprenticeship with a butcher shop in Christchurch following a memorable stint on BBC3 show Invasion of the Job Snatchers, has started a new job as a learning support assistant at Leo Training.

Leo, based on St Swithun’s Road, has a team of tutors assisting out-of work young adults to find jobs – and one of Carl’s first contributions was to facilitate the donation of two bikes to residents of Hope Housing, a charity which helps protect vulnerable people in Bournemouth.

Using connections he made when generous donors helped him after his own bike was stolen earlier in the year, Carl presented two bikes funded by Abbey Life and cycle shop On Yer Bike to Philip Mason and Carey Wellington – before heading off on a ride with them from Bournemouth Pier to Poole on Monday.

“This is a reward for all of their hard work and dedication,” said Carl.

“They have made great progress and it was fantastic to see them enjoying themselves.

“These bikes can be a great tool for them.”

Carl, originally from Warrington, has only recently returned to Dorset after leaving his apprenticeship at F.A. Lambe and Sons butchers over the summer.

However, he said he is “over the moon” to be back on the south coast and feels helping and passing on his own experiences of being without a job to youngsters is his calling.

“I am so grateful to everyone at Leo for having faith in me,” he added.