The new interim principal at a crisis-hit college has praised the “passion” and “pride” of staff and governors.

Veteran principal Monica Box is due to start at City College Brighton and Hove on February 25.

She takes over from Lynn Thackway who stepped down earlier this month.

Both were recruited from the Barnfield Federation in Luton.

Mrs Box said: “When I visited last week I was very impressed with the passion and pride of governors and staff.”

She has previously held principal positions at City College Manchester, South Kent College and Kensington and Chelsea College.

It has already been made clear Mrs Box is a temporary stand-in with the search for a permanent replacement due to start in March.