A FORMER student at Stockton Sixth Form College has returned to step into the shoes of his old teacher.

Dr Christopher Griffiths, 43, a geologist who spent two stints as a researcher in the Antarctic, has come back to base as a member of staff at the college.

Next year he will take over the reins from his former teacher and head of department, geologist John Wightman.

Mr Griffiths was a student at Stockton College for two years until 1979 and has kept in touch with his mentor ever since.

He said: "John was my inspiration. He is a fantastic teacher and loves his subject."

Mr Wightman has made it to the final 23 in the further education lecturer of the year category of this year's Department for Education Star Awards, which are judged next month.

Mr Griffiths studied for a joint degree in geology and geography at the University of Manchester and gained his doctorate in geology at Liverpool University.

He has joined Stockton Sixth Form College from Gornseinon College, Swansea, where he taught geology for nine years.

"The college still has the same fantastic spirit, but the building has been modernised a lot and there are some bits of it that are absolutely new to me," said Mr Griffiths, whose family still live in Fairfield, Stockton.

He is teaching AS-level students this year and when Mr Wightman retires next year, he will add geology to his current role as head of geography.

Mr Wightman said he was "over the moon" that Mr Griffiths was now a colleague. He said: "He was a model student - absolutely superb - and is a great teacher.

"The funny thing is that I remember his mum coming in for a chat about his studies, and when I asked her what she thought his career path should be, she replied "to be absolutely honest, I think he'd like your job".

He added: "Well, when I retire next summer, he will step into my shoes, and I think that is wonderful."