A former Newtown headteacher has said it is a "privilege and honour" to be appointed as the new permanent Director of Education at Powys County Council.

Lynette Lovell, who has more than 34 years experience in education, was appointed at a full council meeting today (Thursday, September 23).

"It will be a privilege and honour for me to be leading our children and young people into successful futures,” she said.

The council had advertised the post, which has a salary of between £87,000 and £95,000, for the last two years. Mrs Lovell had been in the council's interim Chief Education Officer since 2019.

Following Mrs Lovell's appointment, Powys County Council leader Cllr Rosemarie Harris wished her "every success" in the post, adding that she has "the experience and skills to lead the education service".

Chair of Council Cllr Gwynfor Thomas also congratulated Mrs Lovell. "Her commitment to Powys, and to support our schools, is to be commended," he said.

While chief executive Dr Caroline Turner added: “I am delighted to confirm this appointment which will provide a permanent and robust management structure in place for the schools service in Powys."

Mrs Lovell started teaching in south Wales in 1987 before returning to Powys to teach at Hafren CP School in Newtown. She was made headteacher of the school in 2004 and, subsequently, took on Acting Headteacher roles at other schools in Powys. In 2012, she started working as a School Improvement Officer with the council and then as interim Chief Education Officer in 2019.