A BOLTON education boss has been drafted in to take over at troubled Rochdale where the education director quit following a damning OFSTED report.

The borough's deputy director of education Terry Piggott is to take over from Mr Brian Atkinson on a six month secondment to Rochdale where he will become the authority's acting director of Education.

Mr Piggott, who has been second in command at Bolton for four years, will begin his new role next Monday which will last until next March.

Rochdale Council say they will be advertising for a permanent director of education in the new year.

Father-of-three Mr Piggott, 50, is a former chief inspector of schools in Kirklees, Huddersfield, where he still lives.

He told the BEN that he had been approached about the position a few weeks ago and was "looking forward to the challenge".

But added that he didn't see his role as a "troubleshooter" but as one of building on the positive points that existed within Rochdale's scathing OFSTED report.

"There are already some strategies to be built upon," said Mr Piggott. "We have the OFSTED report and a more detailed report from consultants KPMG to work with.

"The people of Rochdale are keen to see matters improve and I have already experienced the strong will amongst schools and elected members to work closely together to bring about improvements." The move has been welcomed by Rochdale Council chief executive Roger Ellis who said: "Mr Piggott impressed everyone at the interview and will bring great skills and experience. Bolton's support for Rochdale is an excellent example of co-operation between local authorities."

Mr Piggott's existing responsibilities within Bolton and projects such as the review of primary schools, the Dean/Woodside Masefield Scheme, The Education Action Zone and the town's own OFSTED inspection will be shared between other members to the education team.

Director of education and arts Margaret Blenkinsop said: "There is never a good time to lose senior staff, especially at short notice. However, many of the projects Terry has been working on are all at a stage where they can be taken on by other staff in the department. Terry will be missed by friends and colleagues in Bolton but he is obviously looking forward to a new challenge."