BAFTA- winning television producer Stuart Binns has blasted the Bishop of Salford for supporting plans to scrap sixth form education at St Theodore's High School, Burnley.

The only Catholic sixth form in Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale will be lost as part of plans to reorganise secondary education in the area.

Now Mr Binns, one of the first St Theodore's pupils in 1961, is contacting former students from all over the world to join the fight against the plans.

And he wants the Bishop of Salford Bishop Terence Brain to withdraw his support for the scheme.

Mr Binns, who lives in London, said: "The actions of the diocese and in particular the Bishop of Salford are at best regrettable.

"While St Theodore's is talking to teachers and parents to try to explain to people what's going on, the diocese has issued a letter encourage parents to support the new plans.

"I can't understand what the diocese is thinking. You can't help but be concerned that the diocese has sold out sixth form education because it doesn't have the money to fund St Theodore's investment.

"It's pragmatic but not very honourable. The Bishop should be ashamed of himself."

Mr Binns was a student at St Theodore's from 1961 to 1966 and still has close ties with the school.

He said St Theodore's sixth form is vital, not just for Catholic families, but for all those who want a choice where to send their children and people of all faiths. Mr Binns, 54, said: "The school has the most successful comprehensive sixth form in the area and its reputation is known nationally.

"It's produced a whole host of successful people both in sport and outside.

"The school will be decapitated by the loss of its sixth form. It is a body blow which will be hard to recover from. It won't be the same school.

"I'm trying to galvanise pupils from around the world. I'm getting in touch with as many people as I can."