A WIRRAL priest has been elected chairman of governors at the school he attended as a boy.

Wallasey-bred Fr David Long will now lead the governing body at St Mary’s Catholic College in Wallasey Village.

He is well known to Wallasey residents as Parish Priest of St Joseph’s and St Alban’s, Liscard, where in 2009 he celebrated the Silver Jubilee of his ordination. He also attended St Alban’s Primary School.

After leaving St Mary’s Sixth Form, he went on to read for a Master of Theology degree at St Andrew’s University, Scotland, before studying for the priesthood. He was ordained in 1984.

He furthered his studies at the Venerable English College in Rome where he gained a licentiate in fundamental theology.

More recently he gained a masters degree in pastoral studies through the Loyola Institute for Ministry in New Orleans.

On his new appointment he said: “I am very honoured to be asked to take on the role of chair, and I very much look forward to being of service to the college."

“I have very fond memories of my time there as a student.”

Until his election by governors, Fr David had served as vice chairman alongside Tony Mossman, of Wallasey Village.