Alan was born in Derbyshire and educated at Chesterfield Gramar School

He has been awarded an O.B.E and a George Medal for his bomb disposal work and he also holds the Queen Medal for Champion Shot in the British Army as well as a team gold medal for rifle shooting at the World Championship.

Self taught, he developed his own style and methods to capture the essence of his chosen avian subject matter.

Two notable commissions include a life size Goshawk in bronze that was presented to the Oman School of Aircraft control by HRH Prince Andrew and a golden eagle in bronze commissioned by the Royal Auxiliary Air Force for presentation to the Queen.

He has recently been commissioned by the RSPB to sculpt a snipe in bronze for annual presentation as an award for wetland conservation.