THE principal of Nelson and Colne College is leaving after four years to take up a new chall-enge in the south.

Lyn Surgeon says she will take away many happy memories and achievements from her time at the college.

She leaves at the end of this week to become principal at South Downs College, in Hampshire, the area where she grew up.

Mrs Surgeon has over-seen the college move from two campuses to one in Reedyford Road, Nelson, and the STEM assured status demonstrating exc-ellence in science, techno-logy, engineering and maths.

She said: “I have really enjoyed my time here. We have achieved great succ-ess and the number of students going on to outstanding universities shows that. We were the fourth college in the coun-try to get STEM assured status which is a great achievement. The coll-ege has got a long standing reputation and I have just helped build on that.

“We have had a number of challenges, such as the removal of the Education Maintenance Allowance, but we have faced them and helped our students through them.

“It is really important to break down those barriers to education.” Mrs Surg-eon added: “I will have a mix of emotions. I am excited about my new challenge and returning home but I will be very sorry to leave.

“I have had a brilliant time here and I have a genuine affection for the staff and students I leave behind.”