A HEADTEACHER who was suspended after an audit discovered alleged irregularities in the way his school was managed has resigned.

Frank Jeffs, of St Peter's CE Primary School, Turncroft Road, Darwen, handed in his notice due to 'personal reasons'.

Mr Jeffs is believed to have been sent home from the school at the end of May this year when inspectors visited the premises and found 'certain irregularities in respect of the operational management of the school'.

But education bosses today said that further investigations into the running of the school proved inconclusive.

It was shortly after this that Mr Jeffs is said to have handed in his notice.

Parents were informed of his original suspension in a letter from the chairman of governors, Albert Gregson.

Mr Gregson declined to comment on Mr Jeff's resignation today. Canon Peter Ballard, director of education for the Blackburn diocese, said: "The matter was concluded after investigations showed there was nothing to pursue in the matter.

"Shortly afterwards Mr Jeffs wrote to the governors regarding his resignation due to personal reasons and it was accepted."

Deputy headteacher Jackie Gill was appointed acting headteacher until the end of the summer term but it is not yet known whether she will take over on a permanent basis in September.

Mr Gregson said the future of the running of the school would be put before the board of governors before anything was decided. Mr Jeffs could not be contacted for comment.