PLYMOUTH College of Art is re-advertising the position of principal after a selection panel has so far been unable to replace outgoing principal Lynne Staley-Brookes.

The college has held interviews for the position of principal over the past few weeks but bosses said they are yet to find a replacement. The role would potentially earn more than £100,000 a year.

Earlier in the year, Ms Staley-Brookes, who has spent nearly nine years at the college, announced she would retire in the summer. She said it was 'the right time' to go.

Following her decision, the college began the task of seeking a replacement.

A PCA spokesman said the role was advertised in January and then shortlisted candidates attended a two-day assessment event held at the end of February. Six governors assessed the candidates through 'a variety of psychometric testing, presentations and interviews'.

Rachel Abel, clerk to the corporation behind the art college, said: "The quality of the candidates' performance overall was very good – but the selection panel, in making their recommendation to the corporation, needed to be completely satisfied that any appointment would offer an absolute fit with the college.

"On this occasion, the panel felt unable to make that recommendation and therefore the corporation's decision was not to make an appointment at this time.

"The corporation want to ensure a smooth handover and Lynne has already offered to stay on a little longer in the event of a delay in recruiting a successor. The next stage will be to re-advertise the post."

Building work has just begun in a £7million makeover for the PCA. The college, opposite Drake Circus shopping mall, is receiving a substantial facelift in its 'first phase' of the £7m project.

It is expected that PCA will see a permanent external 'cladding' on the outside of the building, as well as improvements to galleries and associated student services areas, by August.