A BOLTON headteacher's image will be forever etched in the memory of his staff and pupils - even when he retires in a few months.

For Jeff Mills, headteacher of Rivington and Blackrod High School, has announced his retirement this August.

But the school on Rivington Lane, Horwich, will be left with a lasting reminder of their former head after a pupil completed a massive wall mural in honour of Mr Mills last week.

Sixth-form student Matthew Trotman put the finishing brush strokes to his huge artwork, which forms part of a GNVQ art project.

And Mr Mills, who has been in charge for 15 years, has painted a rosy future for the school when new head John Baumber takes over the reins on September 1. Mr Mills said: "I'm confident that the school will continue its tradition of excellence well into the future, a future no doubt based on information and communication technology in schools as elsewhere." Mr Baumber will join the school from his post as headteacher of the 850-strong Prudhoe Community High School, near Newcastle.

Under his control, the school has seen a 20 per cent rise in results in the past six years and was named as an outstanding school in this year's annual report by OFSTED Chief Inspector Chris Woodhead.

Mr Baumber has also championed the development of community based arts and the use of modern technologies in schools.

He said: "I am looking forward to coming to Rivington and Blackrod High School.

"In the short time I have been here I have been impressed by the warmth of the welcome from the school and the community.

"Moreover this is clearly a purposeful and committed school much respected by the community."

Chair of Governors Gill Jackson said: "We are looking forward to welcoming John to our school, confident that everyone can work together to deliver the best quality of education possible for our pupils."

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