EDUCATION bosses are set to meet to discuss the conduct of a Hapton support teacher who was cleared of having sex with a pupil.

Zoe Morgan, 32, of Leigh Park, has been suspended by Lancashire County Council since the verdict was delivered at Preston Crown Court last November.

During the week-long trial Ms Morgan admitted kissing a Barden High School pupil and becoming emotionally involved' with him, though she denied any sexual relationship.

A spokesman for the authority said: "The board of governors is due to meet within the next few weeks to review Miss Morgan's conduct."

The governors are expected to decide whether or not Ms Morgan can return to her job.

Miss Morgan's acquittal on five charges of sexual activity with a child came as the government issued new guidelines to speed up the process of dealing with allegations against teachers.

Unions said the case showed the risks teachers faced of spurious allegations being made against them.

But the police said they would continue to investigate all allegations.

Miss Morgan had been accused of having a six-week relationship with the pupil.

The court heard, the support teacher was being blackmailed by the boy, who cannot be named, and a group of his friends.

She admitted kissing him in her car to try and get rid of him after he constantly "pestered" her.

The teenager and his friends threatened to ruin' the teacher, the court heard, unless she took them to her house and for rides in her car.