THE new principal of one of the region's leading colleges has spoken of his vision for the future of further education.

Tim Fisher will take over as principal at Darlington's Queen Elizabeth College (QE) in August, following in the esteemed footsteps of David Heaton OBE.

The 39-year-old will become one of the youngest sixth-form heads in the country. But Mr Fisher said the foundations are already in place to continue the success of his predecessor.

He said: "It's extremely reassuring to have the staff and students here who are so committed to what they do - whether it be teaching or learning."

Mr Fisher came to the college five years ago as assistant principal and says the experience he has gained in that time will allow for a smooth transition.

With the new Darlington College opening last September, and many of the local schools being refurbished or rebuilt, Mr Fisher said the town must adopt "collaborative education" to ensure students have an array of options open to them.

Current principal Mr Heaton will retire in August, but he says the future of the college is in safe hands.

"It will not be easy leaving QE at the end of this academic year as the college means a great deal to me.

"I am nevertheless very pleased to be handing it over to Tim Fisher, who will be a first- class principal. The college could not be in better hands for the future," he said.