A former Dagenham and Redbridge protegee has turned his sights to teaching.

Charles Grimme-Yexley, from Romford, played semi-professional football with the club after leaving school, but wasn’t offered a professional contract.

The 21-year-old worked as a lifeguard, trained as a police constable and moved to New Zealand for 10 months, before deciding to return to education at CU London’s campus in Dagenham.

Charles is the only male on his primary education and teaching course old Civic Centre campus.

He said: “I am aware that male primary school teachers are sought after in the UK.

“Looking back on my primary school days, I can count on one hand how many male teachers I had.

“A male teacher can bring many different skills and attributes to the classroom, so knowing there aren’t many of us has motivated me to make a difference.”

Charles returns for year two of his three-year course later this year.