HEADMASTER Stephen Preston (pictured) is on the move.

But the Westleigh High chief does not have far to go.

He will be transferring across town in the summer to take charge at Bedford High when the new academic year begins in August.

Stephen, 47, who has been teaching since 1974, is looking forward to a fresh challenge at a bigger school.

"But I will be sad to leave Westleigh," he said. "I have had five happy years here and feel I am leaving behind a reasonable legacy."

He will be taking over from popular headmaster Barry Mell, who was due to retire next month but is now on sick leave, seriously ill and awaiting an operation.

Mr Preston, who lives in Radcliffe with his wife and two children (Matthew and Stephanie), took up his first headship in 1994, arriving in Leigh from Mansfield High.

And his five years at Westleigh have seen some exciting and innovative changes with the advent of CCTV cameras, the award of technology status, £900,000 spent on a purpose-built art and modern languages suite, a school mini-bus to arrive later in the year, a new learning resource centre with new library and 55-station PC network with internet and multi-media facilities.

"The people of Westleigh and the school governors have been highly supportive," added Stephen. "Add to that a warm and friendly staff and fantastic pupils. Yes, I'll be sad to leave."

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