Richard is a staunch Yorkshireman, born and bred in Harrogate, spending all his working life in this God's own country. He attended secondary school in Harrogate, leaving at 15 years old with no formal qualifications. His first job was within the print industry, an industry where he spent the rest of his working life. Richard married in 1975 and has two grown-up children and two grandchildren, of whom he is immensely proud.