A FORMER headteacher who quit after being criticised for skipping school to take part in a charity bike ride in Cuba has hit back.

Ian McCann resigned from his position at Rosewood Primary School in Burnley last month after being suspended in October.

The 59-year-old faced disciplinary action from Lancashire County Council after taking the week before the October half term break off despite governors rejecting his request for leave.

In a letter to the Lancashire Telegraph the former Haslingden Primary School teacher said that the trip was 'poignant and personal' to his grieving over the loss of his father to cancer.

He added that he never meant his request for unpaid leave to have a 'negative impact' and said that he's 'truly sorry'.

Mr McCann said: "I would like to express my thanks for the support and sponsorship money received from many people in Burnley, Accrington and Rossendale over the last few weeks and previous months.

"The location and timing of the charity event were outside of my control but were poignant and personal to my grieving over the loss of my father to cancer.

"My request was not meant to take any liberties and I offered to work through the October half term to make up the time.

"The request I made was for unpaid leave.

"I never meant the negative impact which ensued and I am truly sorry for this.

"I believed my request was honourable; that it could provide many learning opportunities for the children in my care, setting up links with Cuban schools etc.

"I don’t accept that it was hypocritical as a paid employee with protection and rights, for me to seek unpaid time away from my employment, for deeply held personal reasons.

"There is leverage for this in the Lancashire County Council employees’ conditions of service.

"Governors had previously granted extended ‘leave’ for others; for much longer periods than the time I requested. For reasons known to them, I wasn’t supported.

"I truly appreciate the supportive cards, letters, comments and petitions set up on my behalf and, contrary to what one critic’s barbed jibe suggested, I can confirm that I had absolutely nothing to do with initiating these spontaneous reactions of support.

"Resigning left me unable to say goodbye or give heartfelt thanks to all of the wonderful staff, pupils and parents that I have been happy to work with at a number of schools over 35 years.

"I want to wish them a fond farewell, especially those at Rosewood."

The Lancashire Telegraph attempted to contact Mr McCann following his suspension and resignation but he was unavailable for comment.

It comes after Rosewood Primary School opened the application process for Mr McCann's replacement.

The deadline for applications is noon on Friday, May 6, and the successful candidate will start in January.