A Blackburn school whose head quit during an audit investigation has appointed her deputy as acting head.

Heather Jamison left Witton Park High School and Technology College, Blackburn, at the end of term less than a year after taking over.

And today her successor, Gwen Onyon, who has worked at the 750-pupil Buncer Lane school for 13 years, pledged: "I will take the school forward."

Police have confirmed an audit is being carried out within the school "following complaints made about the head teacher" but said they are not involved in any probe.

Neither the school or Blackburn with Darwen Council have gone public on why Mrs Jamison a former employee within the council's education department has left.

Today, the council confirmed Mrs Jamison's deputy Gwen Onyon would be acting head.

Mrs Onyon said: "The staff and pupils at Witton Park are very special and I am delighted to have the opportunity to lead a highly talented team of individuals in taking the school forward.

"We are looking to a future that is even better than today, creating the best possible learning opportunities for pupils, enabling them to realise their full potential.

"I have a genuine desire to include all and to make a difference to the lives of young people."

Chairman of the governors, Councillor Malcolm Doherty said, "Gwen's work at Witton Park has been highly valued and I am confident that as acting head she will lead the school further forward."

And the Labour councillor hit back at the criticism from opposition and teaching union officials over failure to say why Mrs Jamison had left.

He added: "The people entitled to receive that information are the parents, pupils and staff and they have a right to be informed first before we go making any public announcement."

But the silence attracted criticism from Lesley Ham, Lancashire NASUWT negotiating secretary who said: "While we wish Gwen all the best the union feel the local authority should make a prompt announcement as to why the school's experienced head has resigned."