A former Norwich councillor and deputy head at a city academy has been announced as the new principal of a north Norfolk school.

Antony Little has been confirmed as the new principal at Cromer Academy, after Dr Geoff Baker stepped down last month.

Mr Little, a former deputy head at the Hewett Academy, has said on Twitter he is 'thrilled' to be taking on the role.

Dame Rachel de Souza, chief executive of the Inspiration Trust, which runs both Hewett and Cromer Academy, said he was a 'brilliant new principal for a brilliant school'.

Mr Little, a father-of-three, is a former leader of the Conservative group at Norwich City Council and was a candidate in Norwich South in both the 2005 and 2010 general elections, finishing third on both occasions.

Eastern Daily Press: Cromer Academy. Picture: GoogleCromer Academy. Picture: Google (Image: Archant)

He first won his Bowthorpe seat on the city council in May 2006, losing it in September 2011.

MORE: Norfolk principal 'bereft' to be leaving academy for new chapter elsewhere in the country

Eastern Daily Press: Antony Little, the new principal at Cromer Academy. Picture: Inspiration TrustAntony Little, the new principal at Cromer Academy. Picture: Inspiration Trust (Image: Archant)

Mr Little, who has also worked at Norwich's Notre Dame High School, said: 'From working at another academy within the Inspiration Trust I'm very aware of the great improvements that have been made at Cromer Academy over the last few years, in particular becoming the top school in north Norfolk for pupil progress.

'I'm looking forward to working with colleagues, students, and families to build on the great work done by the team here under Dr Baker.

'There is a great community spirit at the school and in the town, and I'm sure that we will go on to achieve even greater things for our young people.'

Tim O'Shea, chair of governors at the school, said it was a 'very exciting time'.

'I am delighted to have Mr Little joining us to lead the academy as we continue to improve the education we provide to our town's young people,' he said.

'I am frequently impressed by the strong support that parents and the local community give the academy, and I know that Mr Little will receive a warm welcome from pupils and parents alike.'

When he announced his plans to leave the school for a role in the north of England, Dr Baker said he was devastated.

'It's almost broken my heart,' he said at the time. 'It's been a big decision. Cromer has been my life for the last three and a bit years, and I feel bereft.'

In January 2017, Ofsted rated Cromer Academy good overall, and outstanding in two out of four categories.