THE NEW year has brought new head teachers to two Fylde Coast high schools.

St Bede's RC High School, Talbot Road, Lytham, has welcomed Chris Riding, a former deputy head from Blackburn, as their new head.

Mr Riding took up the post at St Bede's on Monday, January 7, from retired head Andrew Melling.

An English teacher, Mr Riding began his teaching career 21 years ago. Since then the 43-year-old has been deputy head at St Augustine's RC High School near Blackburn and also Our Lady and St John RC High school at Blackburn. He said: "I'm just looking forward to building on the excellent work that's been done at St Bede's and working with all the children and families in the area."

He said his first impressions of the school were "very positive" and added: "It's a lovely building and the children and the staff have all been extremely welcoming."

The new head of Lytham St Annes Technology College, Phil Wood, also took up his post on Monday.

The former head of Hodgson High School, Poulton, has taken over as head of the Worsley Road school from Michael Payne, who has retired.

History teacher Mr Wood, 43, said: "I'm very excited to be here. It's a great challenge for me and a wonderful opportunity.

"It's a good school already and if I can contribute to the development and success I shall be absolutely delighted. The opportunity to be head of a school of this quality and size is rare."

Ian Evans has taken over as acting head at Hodgson High School until new head teacher Colin Simkins joins at Easter.