Former TV presenter Ashley Blake today told how he has turned to volunteering as he struggles to find work following his release from prison.

The 41-year-old is among the latest recruits to the Midland Freewheelers Emergency Rider Voluntary Service.

He was sentenced to two years in jail for wounding a teenager when trouble flared outside his Place 2B restaurant and bar in Sutton Coldfield in January 2009.

He served just nine months and has written a book, Shining Bright Lights in Dark Places, based on his time behind bars.

“I’m in the process of rebuilding everything I’ve lost, which in the current job climate is not easy,” he said.

“I haven’t been working – I have had to pen programmes myself and write my book as nobody is willing to give me work.

“That is why I am campaigning for not sending people to jail wherever possible, because you are effectively writing off their lives.”

He said he first discovered the Freewheelers – also known as the Blood Bikers – when writing a series on the motorbike-based paramedics working for West Midlands Ambulance Service.

“I’ve been biking for over 15 years, so when I heard about the work they were doing I just thought ‘I could do this’,” he said. “It gives me the opportunity to combine my love of biking and giving something back to the community.

“With the NHS in an awful state at the moment, I think we could all do our bit to save them a few pounds as well.”

The ex-Midlands Today and Inside Out presenter signed up to become a co-ordinator on January 6, and is now working towards his advanced qualification to allow him to do shifts.

All riders must have advanced police grade licence or equivalent, he added, but anyone who doesn’t fancy hopping on a chopper can still help out as a co-ordinator.

He hopes to pass his certificate by the end of next month, but while he is waiting he said he will be taking part in various fundraising efforts.

“It has been a fabulous experience so far, they are a good bunch of guys,” he added.