ONE of the region's leading public schools has appointed a new deputy head.

Oliver Marlow takes up his post at Barnard Castle School, County Durham, in January, replacing David Ewart, who became the school's headmaster earlier this year.

He teaches English at Christi's Hospital, in West Sussex, the largest full boarding school in the country, but began work in marketing.

He said: "I worked for my father's firm, Marlow Wade, which was looking at putting English desserts into France.

"British companies did not really understand Europe, so we had to do a lot of research.

"I am proud to say as a result, Sara Lee's double-chocolate gateau is now being eaten in France."

Mr Marlow spent his childhood in Holland, where his father worked for Unilever. He attended Gresham's Boarding School, in Norfolk.

He graduated from St Andrews University and worked for marketing company Bur-ston-Marsteller, before he joined the family firm and moved into teaching at Christi's Hospital, where he has been for the past ten years.

It was his passion for rugby that led him to Barnard Castle School.

He said: "I have really enjoyed my visits to the school.

"I am bowled over by the beauty of the countryside and impressed by the friendliness of staff and pupils.

"It is a very exciting time for the school, and the pace of life in the North is much healthier for myself and my family.

"We are looking forward to spending many years here in this phenomenal environment."