THE headteacher and chairman of governors at a Darlington comprehensive school have resigned.

The shock news was revealed to parents last night when pupils at Eastbourne Comprehensive School were given a newsletter to take home.

The letter revealed that headteacher Richard Appleton and the chairman of governors, Councillor Ian Haszeldine, had both handed in their notices on Friday.

Mr Appleton will leave the school, which is in The Fairway, in Darlington, at the end of the month.

Coun Haszeldine, who is a member of Darlington Borough Council, will step down tonight.

Mr Appleton joined Eastbourne Comprehensive School seven years ago and earlier this year he spoke about his hopes for the future of the school and its pupils.

A spokesman for the borough council said: "Mr Appleton has led Eastbourne School for seven years, during which time he has overseen significant developments and his leadership was praised in the recent Ofsted (Office for Standards in Education) inspection of the school.

"Mr Appleton now wishes to pursue other activities in the field of education and feels this is an appropriate time to do so.

"In this we wish him well. The council's education department and the school's governors will work together to ensure that there is continuity of management in the school and that the education of the pupils is not in any way disrupted."

Parents reacted angrily to the news that their children's school is losing two key figures at the same time.

One parent, who did not wish to be named, said: "This is very concerning. We don't know why they have both resigned at the same time. We have been left feeling very confused about the future of the school."

Last night, Mr Haszeldine said he was leaving because of an increased workload.

He said: "I have spent the last year doing some work for the Audit Commission and have not been able to give the school the commitment that it should have. I expect to get more work in the coming year and I basically will have too much to do.

"I have enjoyed working with Mr Appleton and he has always had my full support.

"As councillor for Lingfield ward, which includes the school, I will continue to maintain close links with everyone at the school."