A VILLAGE school headteacher will not face any charges for the incident which led him to stay away from school.

The Crown Prosecution Service has announced that Philip McDermott will not face criminal charges following a single allegation concerning classroom discipline at St Paul's CE School, Baynes Street, Hoddlesden.

Governors have yet to decide if they will take further action or when Mr McDermott, who has been on paid leave of absence from since the half term holiday, will return to school.

Officers from Lancashire police's family protection unit questioned Mr McDermott following a complaint from parents of a young boy pupil and a case file was forwarded to the CPS.

A CPS spokesman said: "We will not be proceeding with the case because there is insufficient evidence."

Church of England spokesman, the Rev Richard Steel, said: "The decision taken by the CPS will guide the school governors during their next steps.

"It is still to early to say when Mr McDermott will be returning to school."

The parents of the child at the centre of the row and the school's chairman of governors, the Rev David Beal, refused to comment about the move until it had been confirmed through official channels.

Lancashire County Council is also awaiting notification from the police about the matter.

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