A SENIOR teacher from Prestwich has been charged with raping and indecently assaulting a 17-year-old girl during a school trip to the Isle of Wight.

Lee Savage, of Roseland Drive, Prestwich, appeared at Isle of Wight Magistrates Court yesterday charged with the two offences -- not involving his pupils -- alleged to have happened at The Haven holiday park, Shanklin, on Sunday.

The 31-year-old head of history at Sharples School, Bolton, had been visiting the Island with 300 pupils from a number of areas as part of a students' trade fair.

Savage was sent to appear at Winchester Crown Court on April 9. He was granted bail with conditions he does not contact witnesses and does not go within a 20-mile radius of Bolton or Wigan Town Halls.

Headteacher of Sharples School Kevin Clarke said he could not comment other than to say: "I can confirm that a member of staff at the school has been suspended while certain allegations are investigated."

A spokesman for Bolton Local Education Authority said Mr Savage had been suspended on full pay while the investigations were conducted.