THE new principal of East Lancashire's biggest college today spoke of his vision of learning opportunities for everyone.

Ian Clinton took over the helm of Blackburn College earlier this month and is keen to carry on the success enjoyed by thousands of students aged 14 to 90.

And he is unfazed by what is his biggest challenge to date - taking over from retired principal Sheena Ewing.

That is despite a tumultuous first few weeks in the spotlight following the tragic death of a 17-year-old pupil and a wave of voluntary redundancies.

Business studies student Asif Bharucha, of Shear Brow, Blackburn, died earlier this month after falling from a cliff in Cornwall when he was startled by a barking dog during a college-organised walking trip.

And in April the college announced 50 jobs would be axed and three teaching centres closed in a shake-up to keep the college on track financially.

Until recently, Mr Clinton's knowledge of Blackburn was confined to Ewood Park and Blackburn Rovers. He has had two previous posts as college principal in Leeds and most recently Widnes.

But now living in Salesbury, he is absorbing all that East Lancashire has to offer.

"Learning can change lives for the better. It is good for the individual and good for their community," said the 50-year-old son of a lorry driver.

"Qualifications gave me the fortune to take a lot of decisions into my own hands. Most of us are not going to win the lottery so the best way to fulfil ambition and to feel part of the community is to be schooled, trained and educated."

Taking lessons from his time at Halton College in Widnes, Mr Clinton said he will be a man of teamwork. "As a college, we need to have a positive relationship with schools and businesses and understand what their needs are and respond to them and the community."

Following the retirement of Derek Hall, Canon Mike Wedgeworth of Blackburn takes up the helm of the governors.