SUPPORTERS of a suspended teacher may step up protests after a demonstration outside the school failed to convince bosses to reinstate him.

Mark Walker was suspended from Sunnydale Community College, in Shildon, County Durham, in March after allegations of misuse of school equipment.

Headteacher Sue Byrne said she was unable to comment on the reason for his suspension while an investigation was ongoing.

His supporters said it was because the technology teacher accessed commercial and political websites -including the BNP's, of which he is a member -during school hours.

Mrs Byrne said: "We are happy to state categorically that Mr Walker has not been suspended because of any political affiliations he may hold.

"Any suggestion that this is the case is wholly false.

"Beyond that, we cannot comment because of our respect for Mr Walker's rights to confidentiality with regard to the terms of his employment."

Yesterday, action group Civil Liberty and the Solidarity union gathered outside the school to support Mr Walker when he met Mrs Byrne.

Patrick Harrington, the general secretary of Solidarity, said: "We just want what is best for him and the pupils; for him to be back in the job he is very good at.

"I genuinely believe his involvement with the BNP, including standing in a council election, has influenced the action against him."

He said that had Mr Walker been caught reading a book, the matter would have been resolved by now.

He added: "After an hour-and-a-half-long meeting, we made no significant progress, so our protests may escalate.

"The union executive will consider forming an official picket, which we would expect no other union to cross."

Pupils and parents joined the protest, as staff and year seven pupils attended the first day of the new school term.

Sarah Brown, 20, said: "He was the best teacher I had at Sunnydale. You could always ask him for help in work or with problems.

"We had no idea about his personal life or views so I think, unless it affects his pupils, he should be allowed back."

Mother-of-four Diane Tweddle, of Middridge, said: "He has taught all my kids and they respect him, say he is one of the best and want him back."

Mrs Byrne said: "Although the demonstration was small, for 11-year-old children to be confronted by such scenes when arriving for their first day at school was both intimidating and inappropriate.

"That is a view that has also been expressed to us by parents."