A SCHOOL has kept it in the family by appointing the son of a retiring headteacher to take over the reins.

Following the retirement of principal Elizabeth Gray, the board of directors at Grindon Hall Christian School, in Sunderland, has hired her son, Chris, to take over as principal.

Over the past 15 years, Mr Gray had worked in human resources for various companies, set up his own firm in the field and advised schools and headteachers on human resources.

He now lives in County Durham with his wife and five children, four of whom will be attending the school when the new term starts.