A ROSSENDALE teacher has been elected to an independent watchdog aimed at regulating the teaching profession.

Peter Cooper, who lives in Whitworth will be involved in taking key decisions on behalf of the General Teaching Council for England -- the independent professional body for teaching.

Peter, 52, who has been appointed to the GTC for two years, will attend his first council meeting tomorrow.

The GTC has the power to ban people from teaching if found guilty of professional misconduct and also contributes to maintaining and improving high standards of teaching.

It also keeps a register of qualified teachers and advises government and others on education matters.

Peter is currently working as an inclusion/special educational needs co-ordinator at Whitworth Community High School.

With more than 30 years' teaching experience, he has worked as a teacher and headteacher in both special education and mainstream schools.

As a representative on a virtual schools pilot project in Rossendale, Peter is also a school representative on Rossendale Inclusive Partnership.

And it was his extensive experience in the world of teaching that won him selection as one of the 13 Council members chosen through the public appointments system.

Peter said: "My experience as a teacher, head teacher and local authority official has given me an insight into many areas of education, mostly in special education and mainstream settings, and I look forward to bringing this experience to the GTC.

"The GTC plays an essential part in reviewing and maintaining professional standards and has an important role to play in the future development of our education system."

The GTC has a statutory duty to provide advice on key educational issues including teacher training and development.

Carol Adams, chief executive of the GTC, added: "I welcome Peter to the GTC and congratulate him on his appointment. His experience will make a valuable contribution to council and I look forward to working with him in the interest of young people's education."