A 'CONCIENTIOUS and hard working' headteacher has stepped down to continue his two year battle with cancer.

Ian Spencer has been in charge of All Saints' CE Primary School in Clayton-le-Moors for seven years but has been absent for the last 18 months due to his illness.

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Mr Spencer said the decision to step down was 'truly one of the hardest decisions' he has had to make.

The family man, who is in his 50s, has had a 32-year career in education and 18 years as a headteacher.

He hit the headlines in 2014, as the first school ever to ban pupils from bringing in packed lunches to encourage them to east healthy food.

In a letter to parents Mr Spencer said: "Currently there is still no real end in sight for further treatment, which continues to weaken me physically.

"Therefore I have reached the conclusion that it would be wrong to continue to expect school to keep covering my absence just for my desire to be back working with you again.

"Though hard, I do know it’s the right one for the school but also for me as it takes away the pressure of me trying to get well as soon as possible, only to be hit with the fact that each stage of treatment so far hasn’t completely worked.

"Never have I served in a school where the whole staff team works so hard and with such dedication to the work in hand – which is why so much is achieved and why I have been so proud to be able to lead such a wonderful school."

Chair of governors Linda Turner has wished the out-going headteacher well in his recovery.

She said: "Mr Spencer was headteacher at All Saints' CE Primary School for seven years.

"During this time he worked diligently to move the school forward.

"He was a very conscientious and hard working headteacher with an abundance of enthusiasm in all aspects of school life.

"As an accomplished musician, he was passionate that music was made accessible to all children in school.

"Unfortunately, he has made the difficult decision to resign from his post in school, due to his illness and continuing treatment.

"Mr Spencer will be missed by staff, pupils and parents, and we all wish him well and pray for his full recovery."

The school is currently being run by acting headteacher Sarah Huddy.