ONE of Britain's youngest headteachers has been appointed to lead Blackrod Church Primary School.

James Royal, aged 32, will take over the 160-strong school in Vicarage Road West, Blackrod.

He said: "I am very excited about joining such a warm, friendly, hard-working and successful school."

Mr Royal grew up in Norwich and trained to be a teacher at Trinity All Saints College in Leeds. He taught in Tameside before moving to the Bolton area to become deputy headmaster at St George's Primary School in Westhoughton.

Mr Royal said he intended to consult with pupils and members of the community about what changes they would like to see at the school.

He said: "We are the only school with a nursery facility in the village, and our strong Christian foundation makes us a unique, caring and innovative learning environment."

The school has recently been recommended for the Activemark Gold award, which celebrates exceptionally high standards of physical education.

In his spare time, Mr Royal plays football for Sharples FC and is a lifelong Norwich City fan. He also enjoys relaxing with his partner Carly and friends, and walking.