A HEADTEACHER has been suspended after an audit discovered alleged irregularities in the way his school was managed.

Frank Jeffs, of St Peter's CE Primary School, in Turncroft Road, Darwen, is believed to have been sent home at the end of last week after inspectors had visited the premises.

Parents were informed about the move in a letter from chairman of governors Albert Gregson. Parents were shocked at the decision and one woman, who has two children at the school, said: "We don't know anything about it apart from what was said in the letter.

"Mr Jeffs only started in September and he seemed a very good headteahcer to me. I wasn't aware of any problems at the school."

Another woman said: "We are all itching to know as well. I think we have a right. He always struck me as being an excellent teacher."

In his letter to parents, Mr Gregson said: "Following a recent audit of the school's responsibilities, certain irregularities were raised in respect of the operational management of the school.

"As a result of this, in order to enable a proper investigation, Mr Jeffs, the headteacher, has been suspended. This suspension is a neutral act which does not imply any blame to any party but will allow an objective investigation to be carried out."

A spokesperson for the Blackburn Diocese said: "The headteacher of St Peter's CE Primary has been suspended on the basis that possible irregularities have arisen and to facilitate an investigation."

The police have not been informed about Mr Jeffs's suspension. Deputy headteacher Jackie Gill has been appointed acting headteacher until the end of the summer term.