A FORMER Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School teacher has been charged with historic sex abuse allegations.

Retired teacher John Mead has been charged with four counts of indecent assault on boys under the age of 14-years-old.

It is understood the charges relate to three alleged victims and incidents which are said to have taken place away from the Blackburn school’s premises.

Mr Mead, of Sabden, was initially questioned over the claims in the summer.

Two former pupils contacted police with claims of sexual abuse occurring during two separate school excursions.

A third person has since come forward.

Lancashire police announced yesterday that charges have been brought and the 75-year-old would appear in court.

The claims involve residential school excursions, with two incidents said to have taken place in Slaidburn and two in Cumbria.

Police said the charges relate to claims of sexual abuse said to have taken place during the 1970s.

A spokesman for QEGS said the school had been working with police throughout the course of the investigation and had offered all information requested.

A police spokeswoman said: “75-year-old John Mead of Sabden has been charged on four counts of indecent assault on boys under the age of 14. The charges relate to historic offences which took place during the 1970s.”

Mr Mead has been released on police bail and will appear at Blackburn Magistrates Court on Thursday, November 14.