A FORMER Bolton Institute principal is to use his expertise at Bolton Community College.

Yorkshireman Professor Bob Oxtoby, who headed Bolton Institute between 1984 and 1998, has been appointed as the college's new Chair of Governors.

He has taken over from Pat Dickson, who held the position for four years.

During his time at the Institute, Prof Oxtoby was well known for his tireless campaigning for university status.

The Institute doubled in size during his leadership, making it a major part of Bolton's economy.

Prof Oxtoby's academic career began at Leeds University where he gained a first class honours degree in gas engineering.

He also has a PhD in applied science, a Master of Education, and he is a chartered engineer. He said: "Bolton Community College has an excellent management team and a highly committed and professional staff that I am sure will make my tasks easier."

Pat Dickson steps down after a rollercoaster four years at the helm, during which she not only led the college out of a financial and management crisis, but also through a merger.

In 1997, the college had slipped into more than £1.5 million of debt and in 1999 it was ordered to pay back £2 million to the Further Education Funding Council because it had accidentally claimed money for students it did not have.

Former teacher Mrs Dickson was appointed chairman of Bolton College in 2000 after the majority of the governing body stepped down in the wake of a highly critical inspection report accusing them of a series of failures, including failing to stop the cash crisis.

Just a year later, Bolton College faced another massive overhaul when it merged with the council's community education service to become Bolton Community College.

Mrs Dickson, aged 55, said: "There were challenging, even fraught times. It helped having a Principal, Alison Bowes, who was so clear and strong and also having a good board of governors."

College Principal Alison Bowes said: " Bolton Community College is grateful for the huge contribution that Pat Dickson has made and we are delighted Dr Oxtoby has agreed to succeed her."