West Craven High Technology College headteacher Arnold Kuchartschuk has retired after 16 years describing his time in the post as “more than just a job.”

Mr Kuchartschuk arrived at Barnoldswick after many years teaching at South Craven School, Cross Hills, where he ran the sixth form and year 11.

He later moved to take up the deputy headship at a school near Preston.

He said: “The position of headteacher at West Craven was advertised and as the area was very special to me, I applied and fought hard to win the post.

“West Craven and its families hold a very special place in my heart. It was links such as these that made serving as headteacher more than just a job.”