Children, staff and parents at Ashlands Primary School in Ilkley have welcomed a new head teacher to the school.

Andrew Soutar has taken over the reins from Eileen Fitzpatrick, who recently retired.

Mr Soutar studied microbiology at Bristol University, then went on to complete a PhD at Leeds University.

During his time at Leeds he enjoyed teaching undergraduates and this eventually led him to train as a primary school teacher.

He has now been teaching for 16 years in a range of different schools. He was until recently head teacher at Glenaire Primary in Baildon.

He said: “I am excited about joining Ashlands and continuing to develop this wonderful school. I would like everyone involved with the school to have a great experience, many happy memories and achieve their full potential.

“Ashlands has many strengths, including music, sport, drama and teachers who make learning enjoyable and memorable for all the children.”