A LEIGH headteacher said fond farewells to teachers and pupils at a school where he has taught for 20 years.

Alan Dutton has left Leigh St Thomas's Primary School to become project director for Leigh Education Action Zone (LEAZ).

The long-serving head began his career at the Bedford school in 1964, then returned as head in 1982.

Describing his final day at the school, he said: "It was lovely. We had a service with all the children, which was very emotional."

Mr Dutton takes over from current project director, Gareth Williams, and he plans to continue the excellent progress of the group.

He said: "I'm looking forward to the challenge. Leigh EAZ is regarded as one of the best in the country. I hope to keep it that way."

Mr Dutton has been chairman of the Headteachers' Management Group, and will now be part of Wigan's senior management team.

His main task will include co-ordinating a smooth transfer into the new excellence cluster status at the end of 2003.