A former primary school headmaster has been jailed for 15 years after he was convicted of raping and indecently assaulting an under-age girl.
Malcolm Ford, 66, committed the offences more than 20 years ago, Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court heard.
Ford, of Bell Street, Southport, was headteacher at the school in the Tameside area of Greater Manchester at the time.
He was also an ex-chair of the board of governors at Edge Hill College - now Edge Hill University - and was on the board for 16 years until his departure in 1997.
Sentencing him, Judge Adrian Smith also noted Ford had been involved in "local child safeguard protection".
The judge said his victim had not felt able to come forward and make a complaint until this year because of his standing in the community, with a 29-year career in teaching.
Ford admitted similar indecent assaults against two other teenage girls.
Following sentencing, Detective Constable Jayne Mckie said: "This conviction would not have been possible without the determination of the victim, who has shown tremendous courage throughout proceedings. I hope that today's outcome can help her now find the strength move on.
"Greater Manchester Police's public protection division has specially trained officers who can work with victims throughout the justice process.
"I hope this makes it clear to those who have committed historic abuse and have not yet been caught that justice will eventually catch up on them.
"And the message for any victims of historic sexual abuse is clear: it is never too late for you to come forward."