IT was not only a new school building which greeted pupils on their first day back at Burley Oaks Primary - a new head teacher also took his place.

Roy Palace shared first day nerves with pupils - but it was not a case of being thrown in at the deep end.

Mr Palace, who has worked in Bradford and Leeds as a head teacher for many years, has been getting to know the school for two years.

He said: "I was appointed to the post in December 1998 so I have had a chance to work with the governing body and parents."

Mr Palace was keen to take over the reins at the school - especially as he was impressed by the village community spirit.

He said: "I am enjoying it very much. I particularly wanted to work in Burley. It is somewhere that has a strong sense of community."

The new head is ready to sail the school through the new challenges changes in education are throwing its way.

He said: "There are certain changes that schools face at the moment. I will be working with staff over the coming weeks to put together goals that we can work towards."