PARENTS at a Darwen primary school have been assured that their children's education will not suffer when its last male teacher leaves.

Concerns were raised after deputy head teacher Mike Leighton, who had been filling in at Holy Trinity Primary, announced he was leaving.

Since the head teacher left in 2004, Mr Leighton, who was runner-up in Lancashire Evening Telegraph's 2005 Teacher of the Year competition, had been doing the job.

But despite applying for the role, the school, in Bank Top, has employed a female teacher from out of the area who will start as permanent head in September.

Mr Leighton, who had been deputy head teacher at the school for 34 years, handed in his notice, and fellow male teacher Chris Homes, currently the only other male teacher there, will also be leaving this summer.

The chairman of governors at the school, which employs 60 staff in various departments, today reassured parents that the school services and pupils would not suffer because of the staff changes.

Parents said they were concerned that when the men, who are the school's leading sports teachers and are renowned for their sporting achievements, leave the department will suffer.

And some, who are threatening to take their children out of the school, said that although there was a new male teacher starting in September there was still very little male influence, especially for the boys.

Parent Julie Ellison, of Snape Street said she was glad her 11-year-old daughter, Katie was leaving this summer.

She said: "It will definitely not be the same. The staff morale must be at an all-time low.

"I don't know what is going to happen to the sporting side of the school. They made it. Without them it will lose its reputation."

Mr Leighton said: "I am touched by all the parents' concern and I have received many cards to that effect. It is just the end. I have to start anew.

"I have greatly enjoyed my time here and we have achieved a lot. I am sure the parents have nothing to worry about."

Chair of governors Peter Jackson said: "The school will have a male teacher in post from September. We will also have a school sports co-ordinator, supplied by the council, to continue out-of-school sports provision.

"The school will be fully staffed with all activities covered and enhanced.

"It is not unusual for a primary school to have an all-female staff these days, given that proportionately more women than men go into teaching."