A NEW headteacher and former Rugby League player is planning to get his pupils and other schools involved in the sport.

Steve Vallack, who played hooker as a semi-professional for Workington for seven years, has been appointed headteacher of the village primary school in Middleton-in-Teesdale, near Barnard Castle.

He also played Rugby Union for Cockermouth, but feels the league code is best, and that many boys and girls will enjoy it in Teesdale.

Mr Vallack, who enjoys horse riding in his spare time, said: "Rugby League has never been played in this part of the world, but it's a great sport and I'm looking forward to coaching a lot of young folk. I'm starting with the pupils at this school, but I hope to get other schools interested in it as well, and eventually we will be able to meet them in regular matches."

Mr Vallack taught in Cumbria for 19 years, and then had a spell as deputy headteacher at Middleton before being appointed to succeed Michael Harris, who has taken early retirement.