Ben Fradley (23), of Downham, has become the first male student to graduate from the University of Derby's BA (Hons) early childhood studies course.

In the seven years the course has been running 377 female students have graduated, compared to just one male.

The trend has prompted the university to launch a national research campaign with the Pre-School Alliance to discover why men are reluctant to join the female-dominated industry.

Mr Fradley is now working for tourist firms Thomson and Crystal Holidays organising day care and crèches for children while families are on holiday abroad.

He said: "I would tell other men to consider this as a career option.

"Students could also go into teaching, social work or other careers once they have studied on this course but the opportunities in day care and nursery settings are also rewarding.

"It was a challenge being the only male student in my year at university but working with children is what I wanted to do.

"I had initially thought about working more in an IT setting before opting to do this. I find the early years development of children fascinating and I get so much from the job I do."

The research is still in its early stages but has already focused on talking with fathers and early years practitioners about their experiences of early childcare settings.