The new headteacher of St Peter’s Primary School, Budleigh Salterton, says he is ‘on cloud nine’, having taken on the role in his hometown.

Steve Hitchcock has started in the job this month, following the retirement of Malcolm Elliott at the end of last term.

Mr Hitchcock, who previously spent four years as headteacher at Hayward’s Primary School in Crediton, lives in Budleigh, with his two daughters attending the school.

He said: “It’s my home town, and it’s a really lovely school.

“I had the most fantastic first week last week. I keep pinching myself because everyone has been so nice - staff, children and parents.

“I’m on cloud nine at the moment.”

Mr Hitchcock, who in his spare time has played football for Budleigh Salterton for several years, and now plays for East Budleigh, says he is looking forward to the school working closely with members of the community.

He said: “For the first term my goal is to get to know everyone and build a relationship with the pupils, parents, staff and the community.

“Going forward I want to involve them all in shaping a vision for the future of the school, building on the successes that are already here.

“It’s really important for me there is an inspiring curriculum here so the children enjoy coming to school, and the whole community is involved in that.

“Also to use our locality, as I don’t think there are many schools in the country that can boast such an amazing location, with the beach, river, Woodbury Common, and all the community groups we have in Budleigh, and to develop the Christian values of the school.”