A new Newmarket headteacher has spoken of her delight after rising through the ranks to lead her primary school.

Melanie Moore joined the staff at Ditton Lodge Primary School in 2012, becoming deputy headteacher last year and now succeeding Dr Chris Marshall, who retired at the end of last term.

Melanie, who lives in Newmarket and whose two children also attended the school, said: “I have always loved the school and I am honoured and privileged to be the new headteacher.

“When the position came up, I wanted someone to lead the school who had the same passion about it as I have.

“Newmarket is important to me so I am excited to be leading a school in the town and to be working closely with my local community for the benefit of all pupils.”

Mrs Moore has been working in education for almost 20 years and previously taught at Scaltback Middle School in Newmarket.

She added: “I would like to thank everyone for the warm welcome they have given me since I became headteacher - the reaction from parents has been so positive.

“I want the whole school community to continue to work and learn together to achieve the best possible outcomes for our pupils.”

Ditton Lodge Primary School, in St Johns Avenue, has 210 pupils across reception to Year 6 age groups.