BRONWEN Hughes is back walking the corridors of her old high school – but this time as its headteacher.

The former Ysgol Maes Garmon pupil has taken charge at the Mold school 22 years after she left to pursue a career in teaching.

Mrs Hughes, a 40-year-old mother of three, describes her return as a dream come true and she still has a prized memento from her time as a pupil in the shape of her old school tie.

She said: “It was a very happy time for me and I got a lot from the school.

“There were a lot of extra opportunities and it shaped me as a person.

“My first teaching job was at Ysgol Maes Garmon from 1992 until 1996 then I went to teach in Wrexham. I have now returned for my third dose.

“It is like a dream come true.

“The main building is the same but the school has a new design and technology building and science labs. The feel is the same.”

But what do Mrs Hughes’ former school friends think of her taking over the top job at the Welsh-medium school?

“They are thrilled to bits for me because they know how close the school is to my heart.

“A chance like this does not come around often.”

The current pupils have given her a warm welcome.

Mrs Hughes said: “The children are fantastic. They have been stopping me in the corridor and saying hello. It is a lovely school. The word family is often used in association with it.”

It was while in the sixth form at Ysgol Maes Garmon that Mrs Hughes first decided on a career in teaching after being given the chance to volunteer at a primary school.

Originally from Flint, she kept up the school spirit as a flute player in the Maes Garmon orchestra.

She said: “I was a hard-working pupil. I benefited a lot from the extra-curricular activities such as school shows.”

Mrs Hughes, who took up her post at the start of the school year, remains tight-lipped over any former teachers who are now work colleagues.

But some things haven’t changed.

She said: “The school uniform is the same. The fashions have changed, but with fashion it comes full-circle.

“I still have my school ties some 22 years after I left.”