IT WAS a case of "Welcome back, Sir" when pupils at Parrenthorn High School were introduced to their new headteacher.

Mr Mick Fitzgerald (46) took over the role this week from retiring head Mr Arthur Francis, but the father-of-three was already a familiar face on the corridors.

Mr Fitzgerald had been deputy head at the Heywood Road school for nine years before he moved on to Helsby High School in Cheshire last year.

After two terms as deputy head, Mr Fitzgerald said he was delighted to return to Parrenthorn after Mr Francis retired at Easter.

Mr Fitzgerald said: "I like the pupils, I believe in them and I enjoy sharing in their success. The teachers here are among the best I have worked with and it is a privilege to be their headteacher."

The Rugby Union fan has been teaching since 1980 and worked at five schools during his career.

As well as being a popular teacher at Parrenthorn, Mr Fitzgerald is also well-known in the area after being head of mathematics at Philips High school, in Whitefield from 1988 to 1994.

He joined Parrenthorn in 1994, before widening his experience last September.

Mr Fitzgerald added: "This is an exciting time for Parrenthorn. The school is expanding from September 2005 so more local families can send their children to the school of their choice and we are hopeful that our bid to become a technology college will be successful. We are well known for having a strong and caring ethos and this will continue to be a strength throughout my headship and as the school expands."