A CASH-STRAPPED college's principal has left her post.

Lynn Thackway, the principal and CEO of City College Brighton and Hove has stood down.

The news follows our report saying the college is in a cash crisis over payments to its suppliers.

The college's board of governors said it "regrets to announce that Lynn Thackway has left her role as principal and CEO of the college due to a family illness".

In a statement issued to staff, Mrs Thackway said: “It is with great regret that I have to inform you that I have made the difficult decision to step down from my role as principal of City College, which has a very special place in my heart.

"At this moment, I need to put my family first but when my family situation has improved I will return to the sector I am so passionate about.”

A statement from the college read: "The Board of Governors is grateful for Lynn’s hard work for the college during a very challenging time for the further education sector nationally.

"We would like to thank her for her contribution and wish her every success for the future.

"The Board will be working with the college’s executive team in the coming weeks to put some interim arrangements in place before a permanent appointment can be made.

"Going forward, the college’s focus continues to be delivering a high quality student experience for all our learners."