THE head of PE at Thirsk School is giving up his post at Easter to embark on a new career as a full-time professional soccer referee.

Matt Messias, 36, became one of the youngest heads of departments when he joined the school 11 years ago.

Headteacher Mr Chris Lewis described him as a man of unusual and exceptional abilities who shone at a very early age.

"I have no doubt that he will end up refereeing at national and international matches," he said.

As a professional referee for the past year, he has been seconded from school for three days every fortnight to undertake special training with the Premier League.

He will now become one of the elite referees singled out for a concentrated training programme to help them achieve a high national standard.

Mr Lewis added: "When he was appointed to Thirsk School it was obvious that he was clearly a rising star of massive quality and he has been a superb head of department.

"A huge number of children have benefited from his vision of what physical education should be. He will be sadly missed and a hard act to follow."