A NEW headteacher is in charge at Rhyddings High School in Oswaldtwistle.

Barry Burke, 49, has taken over from Joyce Moore, who retired in December after 23 years in the post.

Mr Burke was previously headteacher at Ehenside School near Whitehaven, Cumbria, for two-and-a-half years.

His predecessor, Miss Moore, was the first female head of a mixed secondary school in Lancashire when appointed.

She was also awarded an OBE for services to education in 1995.

Mr Burke said: "It is going to be a challenge. Miss Moore had been here a long time and was highly successful. She will be a hard act to follow."

He started his teaching career in 1971 and has taught maths at various schools around the North West.

For 10 years he was deputy headteacher at Mornington High School in Wigan before moving to Whitehaven.

Mr Burke lives in Chorley with his wife, Linda, a secretary, and three sons, aged between six and 22.

His Cumbria post meant he had to be away from his family during the week.

They were unable to sell their home and Mr Burke had to drive 135 miles to school each Monday.

He then had to stay in lodgings during the week and return on Fridays.

Mr Burke added: "It was not possible to drive to and from school each day so I stayed up there. My family are pleased with my new job because it means I will see more of them."

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