Former head teacher Gareth Williams has been appointed project director at Leigh Education Action Zone and is due to take charge when Roland Absalom leaves at the end of next month.

Gareth, who has been deputy director since summer 1999, is delighted with his appointment.

He said: "Leigh EAZ has had an exceptional start. The support from schools, businesses and the local community has been outstanding and the standard of education in Leigh is rising fast. The future looks bright."

A bachelor from The Wirral, Gareth enjoys walking and follows motor sport.

A former primary school head he was for nine years a school inspector in Birkenhead and is a registered Ofsted inspector.

Roland Absalom is leaving to become a senior executive with Capita, an educational support company. He said: "We began with just myself, project administrator Malcolm Coe, support officer Hazel Donohue and a cupboard at Westleigh High.

"We had no script. We started from scratch, thinking on our feet, helping schools to become better than before.

"Head teachers and the local community have helped us make a difference to the education of local children.

"The support from local businesses has been fantastic.

"And I have never known a more dedicated bunch of head teachers."

Leigh EAZ was launched in January 1999 working with business and education partners to raise standards of education in the area.