THE former principal of Nelson and Colne College has praised staff and students after leaving the college for a bigger' challenge.

Alison Birkinshaw said goodbye to the college at the end of term in December and has started her new job as principal of York College.

Deputy Principal John Farrington has taken on the role of acting principal.

Bosses of the college said they had twice tried to recruit a replacement for Dr Birkinshaw, but had failed to find a suitable candidate.

They are set to re-advertise, with a view to making an appointment in March.

Dr Birkinshaw had been at the college since May 2004.

She is still living in Pendle, spending her week days in York.

Dr Birkinshaw said she was hoping to repeat the success she had enjoyed at Nelson and Colne College, which was judged to be outstanding by Ofsted.

She said: "Nelson and Colne is a very slick college which was considered to be outstanding by inspectors.

"Equally, York College is a very good college and I am looking forward to the challenge of taking it from good to outstanding.

"I miss all the staff and students at Nelson and Colne.

"They were very hard working and friendly but I felt it was time for a new challenge.

"York College is much bigger than Nelson and Colne. It has about twice as many students and takes in nearly three times as much money.

"I am absolutely delighted to have this prestigious post."

A spokesman for Nelson and Colne College said they wished Dr Birk-inshaw well.

He said: "The selection panel tried unsuccessfully on two occasions last term to identify a successor.

"The post of principal will therefore be re-advertised this month and the selection process will be concluded in early March.

" It is envisaged that an appointment will be made at that time.

"The selection panel and the board of corporation as a whole are determined to appoint a strong candidate with the capacity to develop into an outstanding leader to take the college forward to the next phase of its development and to maintain its outstanding status."