GOVERNORS of the Cumbria Academy for Autism (CAA) have appointed the school's first headteacher.

Construction continues on the site of the former Westlands Hotel on Branthwaite Road, Workington, where the new school is due to open next autumn.

The CAA Trust has confirmed that Richard Aindow will be its first headteacher.

He is currently deputy headteacher at Presfield High School and Specialist College in Southport. which caters for youngsters with autism.

In a statement on the CAA's website, Lynne Thornton, chair of the board of governors, said: "The opportunity to lead our school attracted an excellent field of candidates all of whom recognised Cumbria Academy for Autism as an exciting opportunity to transform autism education in the West Cumbria.

"As a result of a rigorous interview process we are delighted to have appointed Richard Aindow as our new head."

She added: "We know that Richard is a highly-skilled leader, with significant expertise in specialist education and autism. He fully embraces the challenge ahead and is genuinely passionate about transforming the lives of young people with autism, in Cumbria.

"We are confident Richard will successfully take the school forward, through the pre-opening phase to the next exciting chapter, when the academy welcomes its very first cohort of students."

Mr Aindow said: "I am delighted to be given the opportunity to lead Cumbria Academy for Autism in the next stage of its journey.

"As a father of two boys seeking a diagnosis of autism and with my experience in specialist autism education, I fully understand the challenges faced by these young people and their families.

"The school will lay the foundations for success, providing students with the essential skills and knowledge to lead purposeful futures, contributing and interacting with the local community."

He also said it would be a 'privilege' to build on work already achieved to create the new school.

"I feel immensely proud to now lead the school and help local students with autism thrive," Mr Aindow added.

Formal plans for the building were granted planning permission in June with ideas for the academy being in the pipeline for around four years.