A HEADteacher suspended from his post amid accusations that he launched a poison pen campaign has been cleared of any blame.

Alan Smith, of Mill Hill Primary School, Doxford Park, Sunderland, was arrested four months ago during a police investigation into claims he sent letters to an education department official and a fellow teacher.

The anonymous letters were believed to contain allegations of professional incompetence against other teachers and education officials.

Mr Smith, who has a 30-year teaching career behind him, was said to be "bewildered" that he had fallen under suspicion and strenuously denied he was responsible.

He co-operated fully with the police investigation.

Now, following a long-running police inquiry, officers will be taking "no further action" against the 53-year-old.

Mr Smith was not available for comment, but John Heslop, of the National Association of Headteachers, said: "He is delighted. This has vindicated the view of many of his supporters that he had never done anything wrong.

"During his time at the school Mr Smith has invested a lot of his time creating a caring environment for pupils and teachers at the school,

"He did not think ever that he would become a beneficiary of that caring ethos and has found it a source of comfort."

Mr Smith was suspended from his post in January, following a ruling by the city's education department. But he was reinstated three week's later with the backing of the school's governors.