A NURSING assistant who admitted sending "vile and abusive" text messages to a work colleague has resigned.

Julie Hodgkinson, 49, gave her notice to Calderstones NHS Trust, Whalley, before disciplinary proceedings against her came to an end.

An investigation was launched by the trust which cares for people with learning difficulties from throughout the North West after Hodgkinson received a police caution for the messages.

The nursing assistant, of Revidge Road, Blackburn, admitted sending 21 messages between April and August to a 46-year-old staff nurse from Burnley, who took sick leave and eventually resigned.

Police said the messages were "vile and abusive" and were traced by its Malicious Calls Bureau. She was cautioned on September 26.

Graham Jowett, director of corporate strategy, said: "We can confirm that the member of staff in question has resigned during disciplinary proceedings and that the resignation has been accepted by the trust."

The investigation was into the conduct of Hodgkinson and closed as soon as she resigned, a trust spokesman added.

The victim, who had worked at the hospital for 13 years, told the Evening Telegraph: "I am very happy she is no longer there." She said the texts had made her life hell.

She said she received up to six "gross and disgusting" messages a night from Hodgkinson.

The trust is based at Mitton Road and employs about 1,400 people.

Hodgkinson declined to comment.

Dennis Millington, Calderstones branch secretary of the union Unison, said: "Unison would support the trust in any proven case of bullying and would take a no tolerance approach to that.

"We are pleased the trust has conducted the investigation."