A new headteacher is breaking records - and could be the youngest in the country at 28.

Simon Camby has been appointed as head at Menston Primary School, with responsibility for 360 pupils.

Beryl Powell, chairman of Bradford Primary Head Teachers' Association, who represents more than 150 members, said: "Twenty-eight is quite young and I haven't heard of anyone younger, but you don't usually ask people's ages.

"It is a tough job for anyone at any age and I am sure he will find his way through."

Mr Camby, originally from Blackpool, replaces David Sleightholme, who has left the school at the start of January after 11 years to become one of the government's Ofsted inspectors.

At 25, Cambridge University graduate Mr Camby was deputy head of a primary school with 520 pupils in Cambridgeshire.

"As a head teacher, I intend to lead a school where excellence is the driving force," he said. "I believe passionately that children should only be given the best.

"I will work very closely with staff, governors, parents and children to find out what has gone on before, so that we can build on this to move the school forward.

"I have been warmly welcomed by staff, pupils, governors and parents. All the staff have been extremely supportive and I am confident we will work together to ensure the continued success of the school."

Councillor Dale Smith, chairman of governors at Menston Primary School, believes Mr Camby will take the school to new heights.

"We feel he will bring enthusiasm and build on the talented staff that the school has. It is exciting news and we will be judging him on his perform-ance rather than by his age," he said.

Mr Camby became a teacher at 21 after completing a degree in education.

He studied an MA in Education Leadership and Management, followed by the National Professional Qualification for Head Teachers.

He became a deputy head at the age of 25, where he remained for three years until he took up his present position.