About John

John Riddle was born in Almondbury, Huddersfield where some of his relations still live.

He was raised in Hartlepool, educated at Jesmond Road School, Dyke House and the College of Further Education.

After attending Leeds University, John worked as a Probation Officer in West Yorkshire, Durham and Cleveland. He worked in Durham Prison, HMP Frankland, Kirklevington Detention Centre and served as an officer of the court at Teesside Magistrates Court.

John was also a youth leader in Hartlepool, Durham, Blackhall, Horden, Cassop, Bowburn, Shincliffe and lectured at Beamish College.

He retired early and went to live in Tenerife.

He is the sports editor for The Paper in Tenerife, an English language newspaper for ex-pats and holiday makers.

John was an elected member of Hartlepool Council and Cleveland County Council and represented the town at one of the Queen’s Garden party’s at Buckingham Palace in 1978.

He has played for Great Britain in the World Police and Fire service games in Calgary, Canada in 1997 and won a bronze medal.

Books written by John

Hartlepool People - the rich, famous and infamous associated with Hartlepool
forewords by Jeff Stelling of SKY TV

Jailed - Sports stars doing extra time in Prison
foreword by George Reynolds

The Life of Brian - a tribute to Brian Honour of Hartlepool United
foreword by Peter Beardsley

The King of Cappielow - a tribute to Celtic & Morton's Andy Ritchie
foreword by Sir Alex Ferguson