Mrs Valerie Vayro is the new headteacher at Laurel Avenue Primary School. She began teaching at Wolsingham Primary School 21 years ago, before moving to Peases West, in Billy Row, where she taught for another year.

Onward and upward to Howden-le-Wear, where Mrs Vayro was deputy head for three years, after which she took the headteacher's job at Woodland Primary School, where she spent ten happy years.

Even though Mrs Vayro, who is married with two grown-up sons, was sad to leave Woodland Primary, she said that she is looking forward to the challenges which lay ahead.

Mrs Vayro has introduced a Buddies System, an anti-bullying initiative, an idea she brought with her from her previous school.

A computer club has also been introduced during lunchtime, and children from all age groups attend.

When asked what she enjoyed doing away from school, Mrs Vayro replied that she enjoys gardening and reading mystery stories.

We all hope that Mrs Vayro enjoys being at Laurel Avenue as much as she has enjoyed working in her other schools.

Let's keep our fingers crossed.