AN Ilkley teacher has returned from Egypt to take up the post of head at a Burley-in-Wharfedale school.

Irene Connor has taken over as head teacher at Ghyll Royd School following the recent retirement of Jennifer Bonner.

She is returning to the area after being head at an International School in Cairo, where she lived for nine years.

Mrs Connor is looking forward to settling back into the community of Ilkley and her new position as head teacher of Ghyll Royd School.

She said she is keen to enjoy the Yorkshire countryside once more after living in Cairo, and has been appreciating the school's own colourful grounds.

Mrs Connor said: "I am joining the school at a very exciting time in its development and will enjoy building on the reputation for excellence that the boys and the teachers of Ghyll Royd have enjoyed over the years," she said.

"The individual time and genuine care and concern that the boys enjoy from all the staff has nurtured and developed a very happy and successful school which I feel honoured to join.

"As head teacher I want the boys to be happy, stimulated and motivated in their learning whilst showing a confidence to face new challenges, unafraid to learn from their mistakes.

"As educators of young children in their formative years we have a responsibility to ensure that we provide the very best education and opportunities that will help them face the demands of an ever changing and demanding society.

"I believe in bringing a little bit of magic to our children's learning experiences and turning them onto learning. If we are doing our job properly children shouldn't need second chances."

She has been spending time in school over the last five weeks to ensure a smooth handover. She met many parents at a parents reception on Thursday and at a school bonfire on Saturday.

As well as developing relationships within the community of Ghyll Royd, Mrs Connor is also keen to forge closer links with the communities of both Ilkley and Burley in Wharfedale and to build stronger relationships with local people and businesses.