AUSSIE physics teacher Frank Alley has travelled halfway across the world for his latest post only to end up in the town of a former pupil - Middlesbrough goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer.

Mr Alley taught science to the Boro star at Colo High School in Sydney, Australia, and remembers his former pupil showing footballing talent at a young age.

Now the 63-year-old has arrived on Teesside from his most recent home in China as the head of physics at The King's Academy in Coulby Newham.

Mr Alley said: "I'd heard that there was a shortage of physics teachers in England but being in China made applications difficult.

"The King's offered me the opportunity of an interview. I like the principles that are encouraged at the academy, things like showing consideration for others and putting other people first.

"I'm very pleased to be in England and I'd like my family's future to be here. I like the politeness and pleasantness of the English. They are valuable things to me because I have experienced societies where those things hardly exist."

After four years in the Australian air force, Mr Alley went back to university as a mature student, then taught in the state school system before moving into the independent sector and finally to a private girls' school overlooking the Sydney Opera House and harbour.

He then moved to China and taught English to professionals in companies before becoming a director of studies for the Chinese government.

Mr Alley is living in Guisborough, soon to be joined by his Chinese wife Jane and their young son Yao Li An (or Ian in English).