IT'S an age-old problem facing people looking for work - how to get a job without experience, but how to get experience without a job?

After studying at university and doing numerous voluntary and short-term jobs, farmer's son Chris Bell thinks he has finally found the solution.

He has been given the first nature conservation assistant post offered by English Nature, providing him with hands-on experience of countryside management and practical skills.

Based in North Yorkshire, the one-year work-based learning opportunity is the first of its kind thanks to funding from the regional development agency Yorkshire Forward and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Local conservation officer Clare Robinson said: "We had a great deal of interest in this new post spanning all age groups.

"This shows there is a real need for opportunities which enable people to climb the first rung of the career ladder, whether they are fresh out of college or changing direction."

The role has been designed to help Chris build on his love of the countryside while working alongside experienced ecologists.

His fascination with butterflies and moths will be satisfied by leading a project to plot the distribution of the rare Northern Brown Argus and Dark Green Fritillary butterflies at Ingleborough National Nature Reserve, in the Yorkshire Dales, in partnership with Butterfly Conservation.

Chris, 24, hopes his role will be a springboard into a career in conservation.

He said: "I love living in and finding out more about the wildlife of such a stunning part of the country.

I have already learnt a lot, and look forward to getting plenty of practical experience.