THE new principal of a Pendle college has spoken for the first time about her hopes for future.

Dr Alison Birkinshaw has been installed as principal of Nelson and Colne College, replacing Kath Belton.

And it marks a return to familiar surroundings for the 44-year-old who joined the college's teaching staff 20 years ago.

In 2001, Dr Birkinshaw left the college to become assistant, then deputy principal of Runshaw College near Chorley.

She said: "There has been changes since I left but I think it is a benefit as I am not going in blind. I know what the strengths and weaknesses are and I know the area, as I have lived in Colne for over 20 years.

"It is a really exciting challenge and it is good to be back."

Originally from Bakewell in Derbyshire, and educated at a comprehensive school, Dr Birkinshaw studied a masters degree in Shakespeare's use of music before qualifying as a teacher at Durham University and becoming a music lecturer at the college in 1984.

And the married mother-of-one is keen to see the proposed plans for the college to be located on one site go ahead, although she stresses the quality of teaching students receive is more important.

Dr Birkinshaw added: "I think there are lots of reasons why we should try for a one site college. We can make effective use of where we can focus our resources.

"Resources should be going on teaching, planning and offering top quality up-to-date facilities to offer students a good teaching experience.

"The new build will help us to provide a wider range of subjects but we have to make sure the college remains for the people of Pendle."

"The major aim is to make sure the college meets the needs of the local community and provides first class teaching. My first priority is the top quality teaching and planning.

"The college is in the top 10 per cent of colleges but I think we have to look at meeting the needs of students at all levels and getting the message across that we are providing a good service to the community."