A TEACHER has been charged with sex offences against a person under the age of 18.

Alan Dawson, 37, has been suspended from his teaching post at a high school.

He was questioned by police in Blackburn before being charged yesterday.

Dawson, of Astley Bridge, Bolton, was bailed over the weekend and is due to appear before Blackburn magistrates on Monday.

Peter Morgan, director of education and lifelong learning at Blackburn with Darwen Council, issued a statement through the police.

He said: "This is a police matter and we would not want to issue any comment that may prejudice the police investigation or future court case.

"I can confirm that a man working for the authority has been suspended from his post."