A new super college in the West of Scotland has named its first principal.

Audrey Cumberford, who is currently head of Reid Kerr College, in Paisley, will take on the role of principal and chief executive of West Region College.

The facility is a merger of three major education centres – Reid Kerr, Clydebank and James Watt College in Greenock.

Ms Cumberford will take up her appointment in August next year when the new college is officially launched.

She will then be responsible for more than 35,000 students and around 1000 staff spread over three campuses in Greenock, Clydebank and Paisley.

The super college is expected to generate an annual turnover of £55million.

Michael Yuille, chairman of the proposed new college, said: "I am delighted to have someone of Audrey's calibre and experience to lead the merger process through to the creation of the new college and beyond.

"I look forward to working with her as we create a new, vibrant and truly innovative educational hub servicing West Central Scotland."

Ms Cumberford is actively involved in a range of educational and employment related organisations – she is a Board Member of the Scottish Further and Higher Education Funding Council, Director of Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the Scottish Leaders Forum.

Ms Cumberford said: "I am honoured to have been appointed to the position of Principal and Chief Executive of the proposed new college.

"While it is an exciting career move for me personally, it also provides a once in a lifetime opportunity to enhance education provision in a changing economic environment".