EAST Durham College has announced the appointment of Stuart Wesselby as its new principal.

Mr Wesselby, who is deputy principal at Tresham College in Northamptonshire succeeds Ian Prescott who is under contract until September 2010 - and will provide advice and support during the handover period.

Mr Prescott said: "Stuart was by far the best person who came for interview.

"I know Stuart will continue the hard work to make us the best college in the North-East. I will help him and the College to ensure East Durham College achieve this."

Mr Wesselby, who originates from Grantham in Lincolnshire, graduated from London University and then had a period of time in the business world where he was both a sales and marketing director.

After returning from Australia where he lived for three years he decided on a career change into education.

While doing his masters degree in Sports Science he started part-time lecturing at a college in the North-West.

Jobs then followed in lecturing, as head of sport and leisure at Grantham College, as a Vice Principal at Huntingdon College, before he became deputy principal at Tresham College.

Mr Wesselby said: "I am very excited about joining a fantastic college such as East Durham.

"The College has seen rapid improvements under the current principal and I intend to carry this journey forward."

He added: "East Durham College has a great tradition in the North-East for its sports provision and I intend to build on that.

"Let’s not however, forget the other areas of the College that also deliver real excellence in learning such as our land based provision at Houghall."