POLICE have dropped their investigation into a woman teacher suspended after allegations she sent e-mails of a sexual nature to a pupil.

The woman, who has not been named, was suspended from her post at Gawthorpe High School, Padiham, following the allegation last month.

She remains suspended from her job now that pupils have returned after the summer holidays and her future will be decided by school governors.

The allegation was being investigated by Family Protection Officers from Clitheroe who seized computer equipment for forensic analysis, although police are not believed to be taking any further action against the teacher.

A spokesman for Lancashire County Council said police were not proceeding with any prosecution and that it was now up to the board of governors at the school to decide what action, if any, should be taken.

They added: "The police are not taking this any further and it will now be up to the school's governing body to consider what action to take, in accordance with the school's disciplinary procedure."

The spokesman said a decision should be made in the near future.