My name is Joan Ransley. I am a food writer and photographer providing editorial material to a number of publications including The Yorkshire Post, The Guardian, Leeds University Reporter and other local publications. I live in Ilkley, West Yorkshire - a beautiful spa town in the north of England.

I have a BSc in Food and Nutrition (lots of practical work), and an MMedSc and PhD in Human Nutrition (lots of head work) awarded by the Universities of Sheffield and Leeds respectively. I have worked in both teaching and research.

I have been a lecturer in Nutrition at the University of Leeds since 2002 and I retain the title of visiting lecturer in the Department of Food Science.

Alongside my academic career I have developed a keen interest in photography and, growing and cooking food.

I have an edible garden laid out like a potager at the front of my Victorian terraced house which was awarded second place in this year's Ilkley in Bloom competition.