A NEW headteacher has taken over at one of a city's most historic schools.

Ian Hawksby, 42, has replaced Stephen Drew as head of Durham's Chorister School, whose old boys include Tony Blair and Rowan Atkinson.

The father-of-three, from Hartlepool, who is celebrating his 20th year in teaching, was previously head of Holy Trinity Primary School, Seaton Carew, Teesside.

He started his new job on September 1, although term does not begin until tomorrow, when he will be officially installed at a special service.

He said he was looking forward to the challenges ahead.

"The 24-hour care of young people will be very rewarding but a big responsibility," he said.

"There are a lot of challenges facing all schools and I want to listen to what the dean and chapter, parents, staff and children want and take the school forward, to become even more excellent."

Mr Hawksby said he had already met the children informally as part of the interview process, and was looking forward to getting to know them better.

He said: "My first impressions are that it is a very friendly and welcoming place and parents seem to be thrilled with what their children get here.

"The opportunity to be employed on a World Heritage Site is pretty spectacular."