THE new man in charge at a school where the previous head teacher left to work as a lorry driver is already offering to be open all hours.

Breakfast and after-school clubs could soon be on the timetable at Wolsingham Primary School, in Weardale, where Howard Underwood took over yesterday.

The school has been without a headteacher since last summer, when 51-year-old Tim Gunn shocked parents and governors by announcing that he was quitting teaching because he was fed up with educational red tape.

A year earlier he had won the backing of parents after the school was criticised by inspectors from the Office for Standards in Education.

With a further inspection due this year, Mr Underwood, who has moved from Laurel Avenue Primary School, in Durham, faces a challenging few months.

At the end of his first day, he said: "The school has moved on a lot since the previous inspection, although some people still have it in the backs of their minds. We have a very committed, enthusiastic and hard- working staff, and very supportive parents and governors. The children are absolutely brilliant.

"I am keen to provide as many learning opportunities as possible, and one way will be to extend the school hours after 3.30pm for creative subjects such as arts, drama, music and sports. I want the best for the children and staff here and to work with the community.