A new chief officer for the West Sussex education service has been appointed.

Robert Back will succeed Richard Bunker when he retires in April.

As director of education and the arts Mr Back will be in charge of a service which has 307 schools.

He is currently deputy director of education for Staffordshire County Council and his wife Juliete is an English teacher.

Mr Back said: "It is a real privilege to be asked to head the education service in West Sussex which has achieved so much through the work of its schools, communities and officers."

Away from work Mr Back, who enjoys walking in the Peak District, says he is looking forward to getting the know the South Downs.