A FORMER head teacher has been appointed Bolton's new Director of Education and Arts - the first woman to hold the post in the metropolitan borough's history.

Margaret Blenkinsop, 46, is currently a senior assistant director with Leeds City Council.

Mrs Blenkinsop began her career in education with Cheshire County Council.

She moved to Leeds in 1988 as an education adviser and two years later was appointed assistant director (advisory) before taking up her current post with the community services group in 1994.

The Leeds group is made up of education, social services, housing, community benefits and rights, and under eights services.

As senior assistant director, Mrs Blenkinsop has developed and co-ordinated community service group policy and initiatives and monitored performance.

Educated on Tyneside, she undertook her teacher training at Kenton Lodge College of Education. She later gained a Master of Science degree and is a registered inspector with the Office for Standards in Education.

Married with one daughter who works in London, Mrs Blenkinsop lives in Leeds but is planning to move across the Pennines as soon as possible.

A supporter of the arts with an interest in reading, cycling and swimming, Mrs Blenkinsop said: "I'm greatly looking forward to moving to Bolton.

"Education has experienced some tremendous changes in recent years and more are on the way, but Bolton has a solid reputation for coping well and for the quality of its education.

"I've been at the centre of managing change and my experience will stand me in good stead.

"I'm delighted that the post covers both education and arts. I believe the two are very closely linked and work extremely well together."

Cllr Don Eastwood, education and arts chairman, said: "She has an extremely good track record in education and will bring valuable experience to Bolton.

"Mrs Blenkinsop was a very impressive candidate in a strong field and will, I'm sure, make a great contribution to education and the arts in Bolton."

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