A college in Suffolk has announced the appointment of its new principal, following the sad passing of its former head earlier in the year.

Alan Pease has been appointed to the top role at Suffolk New College with immediate effect.

He said he felt great pride on hearing the news but was quick to single out and give praise to former principal, Viv Gillespie, who sadly passed away earlier this year.

He said: "I had a great mentor in Viv and working with her has prepared me to take this next step.

"I'll be doing all I can to continue her legacy of success for this college."

Ipswich Star: Viv Gillespie died on March 31 following a short illness.Viv Gillespie died on March 31 following a short illness. (Image: Suffolk New College)

Mr Pease has been at Suffolk New College for four years as deputy principal and has immersed himself in the college, the community and the people of Ipswich and Suffolk.

He said: "Pride was my initial reaction to hearing the news.

"I'd say this is the proudest moment of my career."

Mr Pease gained a degree in Business and Sport from Manchester Metropolitan University and went on to spend 20 years in education working for colleges in Braintree, south-east Sussex and south Essex before joining Suffolk New College.

He continued: "I want to be one of the strongest providers of post-16 education in the region, raise our profile in the communities that we serve and I want to be a 'go-to'  provider for our industry partners.

"The engagement with stakeholders and industry partners is getting stronger all the time and I will be working hard to continue this momentum.

"Ultimately there is nothing to replace the satisfaction you get when you see a student engage with their programme, gain confidence and success when they are with us and then go on and achieve great things in their careers.

"Seeing that happen as often as possible is what spurs me on."