A head teacher today called for district schools to copy his example and appoint "success co-ordinators".

David Horne, head of Beckfoot School, in Wagon Lane, Bingley said the role had helped make learning fun for pupils and improved their confidence and self-belief.

Bev Ford was believed to have been the first person at a Yorkshire school to be given the specialised position, which aims to celebrate pupils' non-academic achievements.

Mrs Ford, who started the job in July 2003 after more than 12 years in various positions at the school, has organised charity fashion shows, football matches and helped set up trips abroad for students.

She developed after-school clubs and assemblies promoting positive thinking, plus a system of awards, including prizes for community work.

The role also involved inviting former students back to school to speak about their careers and help act as inspirational figures to pupils.

Mr Horne said: "I don't believe anyone else has this role at their school but I believe it is so important.

"We want children to come to school in happy frames of mind and we don't want them rushing out of school at 3pm. We want them to feel it is a great place to be.

"One of the critical things is to raise aspirations and make people realise how important they are and what they can achieve.

"Fundamentally, it is all about celebrating achievement and making pupils feel fantastic in themselves."

Mrs Ford has now left the school to open a shoe shop in Bingley but Mr Horne praised the work she has done.

He said: "Bev has been a fantastic appointment and she has a natural enthusiasm which makes things exciting for the children."

Mrs Ford, 48, of Bingley, said: "I have loved the role. Beckfoot is a fantastic school and the head has got a fantastic vision and he really does care about the pupils and the staff.

"I think the role has worked really well. The natural teachers don't always have time to run these extra events but they can help and it has developed both teachers' and pupils' skills and knowledge."

The school is advertising for a replacement for the position.