PUPILS at a Darlington school welcomed their new headteacher this week.

Marie Green has taken over the reins at Polam Hall School.

She has 26 years' experience in independent schools and was previously head of English at Witherington Girls' School, in Manchester.

She said: "I am delighted to be taking up the position of headmistress and I look forward to a long and rewarding career as we go into a new year."

Ms Green takes over from former headteacher Helen Hamilton, who died last April.