PARENTS of pupils at an Accrington school which was at the centre of false allegations of computer porn have given a vote of confidence to staff.

Some 16 parents have signed a letter pledging their support for staff at Heathlands College in the wake of a police investigation.

Officers seized one of the school's 27 computers after receiving an anonymous letter claiming there was pornographic material stored on a machine at the school, in Sandy Lane, Accrington.

The computer was analysed by Lancashire Constabulary's computer crime unit, but no images were discovered and the school was exonerated.

Officers later traced the source of the letter, but decided not to prosecute although the author was warned about their future conduct after wasting police time.

In an open letter to the Lancashire Evening Telegraph, the parents said: "We feel it is now important through these columns to register our continued support for the present teaching staff and administration.

"Recent unsubstantiated allegations against Heathland College intended to damage the reputation of this fine school have been a vindictive act and it has been a slur, not only on the school and staff, but also on the children who have in some way been traumatised by this incident.

"As parents we feel extremely proud of the progress made by our children attending the school, and for the future we will continue to promote the school as a centre where children enjoy an excellent standard of education from dedicated staff."

The school opened in 1994 and has 32 pupils from nursery age to 11, who are generally taught in classes of 14.

Principal John Harrison said all the school's computers were protected against the use of illegal websites, and pupils were never left alone in the classrooms.

Len Gerken, of Butcher Fold Village, Rossendale, has a seven-year-old daughter at the school.

He said: "There was a sense of shock and dismay among the parents, but we got together and said we weren't going to let it affect us because there was no substance to what has been said.

"There's not a lot we can do to repair the damage other than to show support and that's what we have done.

"I think it could have been intended as a slur on the children. If the investigation had gone nowhere, who would have been the obvious culprits -- one of the older children that had left the school.

"My daughter wouldn't know what it was all about, but it could have led to an awareness that wasn't there."

Jacquie Hide, vice-principal of the school, said: "We are pleased parents feel moved and motivated to do that.

"It's a vote of confidence in the school, but we want to go forward now and make a future without all this hanging over our heads."