A SENIOR teacher at a Rossendale high school has resigned following the launch of a police investigation into his personal life.

Mr Trevor Mann, a geography teacher at Fearns High School, Fearns Moss, Bacup, and a school governor, resigned last week after being questioned at the school by officers.

He was not arrested. Greater Manchester Police are aware of the inquiry, which is being conducted by Lancashire Police.

Mr Mann, who lives in Bacup, has been a prominent member of staff at the school after teaching for more than 20 years.

He was not at his home today and was unavailable to comment.

Mark Smallwood, headteacher at Fearns Community High School, said: "We can confirm that a teacher has resigned from his position at the school due to personal reasons.

"We held a meeting last week with the teacher, who then decided to hand in his resignation.

"The message is that parents can be reassured that the welfare and safety of the pupils has not been compromised at any time. A replacement teacher is now working at the school."

Sgt Danny Trelawny, head of problem orientated policing for Rossendale, today confirmed: "There is an investigation on-going at the moment but I am not able to comment further."

Bacup councillor Jimmy Eaton said: "I wouldn't like to make a comment about what I think of the situation because it's a personal issue that is being handled by the police."