I am a historian, industrial archaeologist, writer, broadcaster and lifelong tram enthusiast. I have written 23 books and numerous articles, specialising in the history of transport and of my native Black Country.

After many years spent as a student, researcher and lecturer at Birmingham University, I now work as a conservation officer and guest speaker. I am also a broadcaster on radio and television, including work for the Open University, and was seen most recently in Michael Portillo's Great British Railway Journeys. With a small group of local people, I set up a community radio station – 102.5 The Bridge (now Black Country Radio), on which I broadcast twice a week with Black Country Matters and the 70s and 80s Show. I also supply archive film and images to television companies from my own collection, including for David Dimbleby's A Picture of Britain, The History Detectives and Great British Railway Journeys.