THE deputy head of a village school near Carnforth has taken over the reins following the retirement of the previous head at the end of January.

Craig Dewar-Willox has been appointed acting head-teacher at Holme Community School following the departure of Angela Anderson.

Mr Dewar-Willox said Mrs Anderson had intended to retire at the age of 60 and it was agreed she would step down after she reached that age last month.

A letter from the school's chair of governors posted on the school's website confirmed the move and welcomed Mr Dewar-Willox to his new post.

"Following the recent good Ofsted outcome for the school and having celebrated her 60th birthday last month, Mrs Anderson has decided to have a well-deserved rest and take retirement with effect from the end of January," the letter reads.

"I’m sure you will join us in thanking Mrs Anderson for all her hard work and dedication to the school and in wishing her a very happy retirement."

Mr Dewar-Willox, who has been deputy head for the last two and a half years, has been appointed until the end of the 2019/2020 academic year, at which time the role will be filled on a permanent basis following the usual recruitment process.