LIFE began at 40 for BBC Talent 2001 finalist Mick Davies.

Now aged 48, Mick, a former Bolton Art College student, began to realise his ambition to pursue a career in journalism in his early forties.

After work experience stints on newspapers in Chorley and Wigan, the former transport manager and one-time weedkiller contractor took up a journalism degree course at the University of Central Lancashire in Preston.

After graduating, he entered the BBC Talent 2001 competition and is now BBC Radio Lancashire's entrant.

Mick, of Anderton, Chorley, is bidding to be one of four people nationally to be awarded a radio-presenting contract at their local BBC radio station.