A pioneering scientist has turned his back on medicine to become a handyman after failing to find a job.

Dr Peter Vesey applied for more than 100 jobs but could not secure one and has had to abandon his specialist field.

After realising he had no option but to quit, despite his passion for science, the 31-year-old had been forced to make a living from DIY work, leaving his skills to waste away.

Dr Vesey's research includes a world breakthrough in the search for a cure for a fatal heart condition while studying for his PhD at Newcastle University - one of the best medical schools in the country.

The 31-year-old from Gosforth, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne has struggled despite this, revealing a chronic shortage of jobs.

Dr Vesey said: "I must have applied for over 100 posts, had a dozen interviews, and had three offers of jobs, but they were all short-term and outside the North-East."

Dr Vesey has penned a letter to Tony Blair to highlight his plight, but has received no reply.

He has been jobless for five months after a series of short-term contracts at Newcastle University and University College London.

Dr Vesey has an honours degree in biomedical science from Sunderland University, conducted research for the Ministry of Defence and worked in New York investigating the causes of gum disease, with work published in scientific journals.

His struggle to find a long term job mirrors problems being faced by junior doctors across the country. The British Medical Association estimates that 2000 have failed to land a senior contract.

He said: "I love science. I know from my time at the MoD that I wanted to do cutting edge research that was going to help people, so it's hearbreaking to give it up after 10 years and all that study.

"It must have cost a fortune to train me. But the competition for jobs is ridiculous.

"I tried to get a place in medicine at Newcastle to become a GP or work in A&E but that would have meant four more years' study and there were 1000 people going for 100 places.

"The jobs I've had recently, and the few I've been offered, are short-term contracts, one of them was just for three months.

"There's no security. It's difficult to get a mortgage, you have to put family life on hold and I can't move, and expect my wife to move, halfway across the country for a six-month contract."

Dr Vesey said stable science jobs in North-East were only available in a few scientific areas, despite leaders claiming there are plenty of opportunities.

"Everything is geared around things like stem cell research and because of that, people who already have those specialisms are being brought in from outside the area," he added.

"It's great we're attracting people to the North-East but that doesn't help people like me."

Dr Vesey has set up his own company instead of pinning his hopes on the job he trained for. The firm, called Right Hand Man, carries out DIY renovation projects.

He said: "I'm excited about the business. Perhaps this situation is a blessing in disguise"

Though he added: "If someone came along and offered me a great opportunity in science I'd snap their arm off."

Dr Vesey is now calling for more advice to be available to students choosing a scientific career so they can tailor what they study to jobs likely to be available.

"The government is pushing everyone into science," he added. "And I would never discourage anyone from doing it. I don't regret my years as an academic but I wouldn't choose to do it."