A FORMER Worcester city councillor has become a governor at Dines Green Primary School.

David Candler, who retired as a councillor in the St John ward in the city election earlier this month, has attended his first meeting.

Mr Candler served as a Labour councillor in the city for eight years and said he was very much enjoying his new role.

“Obviously education has always been an interest of mine.

“I have three kids of my own and I was a governor of the schools they attended,”

he said.

“Dines Green Primary School has come on leaps and bounds in recent years in terms of pupils’ achievement.

“But we musn’t be complacent and of course the headteacher and his staff are working hard to ensure this progress continues.

“The school is right at the heart of the community which I felt I was trying to serve as a councillor.”

Mr Candler said he felt the time was right to leave politics after recently reaching the age of 70.

While there would be elements he missed, he hoped his retirement would allow him to do some “serious writing” and spend more time with his grandchildren.

He will also remain “very active” in his work with the Worcester Community Trust, which is responsible for the management of six community centres across the city, including the Green Centre in Dines Green.

Headteacher Stephen Gough welcomed Mr Candler’s arrival.

“We are very pleased to welcome David as a member of the governing body and as a local councillor of many years experience we hope he will help the school to progress,” he said.

Dines Green Primary School, in Tudor Way, Worcester, has 190 pupils on its roll.