KEIGHLEY College has a new principal.

Kevin O’Hare has been appointed to the top post, after serving in an interim role for the past four months.

He took over from Steve Kelly in December.

Mr O'Hare said he'd enjoyed a "brilliant" few months at the Bradford Road campus.

There have been several successes during his interim tenure.

In February, the college took centre stage globally when it hosted the town's first-ever TEDx talk – events that are organised to help share ideas in communities across the world.

Speakers from a wide range of sectors – including health, technology, entrepreneurship and marketing – addressed the event.

Also, "significant" progress has been seen across A-level, special educational needs and disability and high needs provision.

Mr O'Hare said: "What a brilliant four months I’ve had at Keighley College. I’m so pleased that I can continue on this positive journey with students, staff and the community.

"I’ve been incredibly impressed with the aspirations of our young people at the college, and they have made me feel very welcome. It’s clear that our students have huge potential and I’m looking forward to leading the Keighley team to help deliver the best learning outcomes for them.

"I look forward to driving our culture of providing responsive and life-changing education, skills and experiences for individuals, businesses and communities. This means ensuring that students gain the necessary skills and knowledge to progress to the next level – be it higher education, an apprenticeship or employment."

Mr O'Hare has worked in the further education sector for 29 years.

During that time he has undertaken roles at all curriculum levels and has taught from entry to degree level. He has also led, written and quality-assured programmes across vocational, academic and apprenticeship fields.

He joined Leeds City College – part of Luminate Education Group – in 1992, and from small beginnings helped establish a programme which has grown to involve 850 learners across a range of subject areas.

Mr O'Hare has a particular interest in creative arts and digital programmes – prior to taking up his interim role at the college, he was head of visual and digital arts at Leeds City College’s Quarry Hill campus.

He sits on a number of professional boards and governing bodies – including as a director of East Street Art – and has worked with organisations such as Games Republic, The Tetley and Leeds Playhouse.