THE new headteacher of a Worcester primary school says she is "very excited" at the fresh challenge.

Sue Mason will take over at Nunnery Wood Primary School in September, marking her return to a city school.

The headteacher will say goodbye to staff and pupils at Abbey Park First School in Pershore at the end of the summer term.

"I'm very excited," said Mrs Mason.

"But it will be a wrench to leave Abbey Park. It's a fantastic school, but the time has come to move on.

"I feel I'm part of Pershore. It will be the end of an era."

Mrs Mason went to school in Powick and Worcester Girl's Grammar School before doing her teacher training in the city.

Her first school was St Clements CE Primary School in St John's. She stayed there for eight years, before taking on the role of deputy head at Abbey Park. She has been headteacher there for the past six years.

"I've taken on more responsibility as the years have gone on," she said. "There are always fresh things to do.

"The first thing I want to do is get to know everyone in the school community. There's more to it than just learning names.

"This is a new challenge and that's very appealing.

"I've learned a lot of lessons and helped Abbey Park to become really successful. I want to do the same at Nunnery Wood - there is a team there wanting to be more and more successful. It's a lively school.

"The children are great and there's already a sense of teamwork.

"I think I could help move it from strength to strength."

Mrs Mason, who is 44 years-old and lives in Worcester, says she will relish the difference between first and primary schools and the increase in numbers.

"It's not too big a school, but I feel knowing every child in school is an essential part to being a head," she said.