A PARENT governor who made allegations against a sacked deputy headteacher has been working at the same school from which he was unfairly dismissed.

Sue Whitcombe has been filling in as a supply teacher at Bishopton and Redmarshall School, near Darlington.

It comes less than a year after Mrs Whitcombe, who is also a parent governor of the school, was spoken to by police officers after she sent letters to Geoff Hetherington.

No action was taken, but advice was given to both parties.

Mr Hetherington, who won his case for unfair dismissal against Bishopton and Redmarshall at a tribunal last year, called in police after receiving the letters, which he claimed contained unfounded allegations.

Mrs Whitcombe claimed in one letter that parents had approached her in confidence, concerned about Mr Hetherington's teaching and class discipline.

Mr Hetherington, who is teaching again after suffering from depression and stress, said last night he was disappointed that Mrs Whitcombe had been employed at the school.

"I think it is a sad state of affairs that, as well as being a parent governor, and given everything that has happened, she is now also working at the school," he said.

Another woman, who did not wish to be named, but who has relatives attending the school, has also voiced her concerns about the situation.

"With the history involved, I don't think it is right that she should be teaching there," she said.

In a statement, Mrs Whitcombe confirmed that she is a qualified teacher, who has worked for about six days as a supply teacher at Bishopton and Redmarshall School.

"As I know each of the children on an individual basis, and am able to spend as much time as is needed with the class teacher in preparing for the lesson, there are considerable advantages over bringing in a supply teacher unknown to the children, " she said.

"The school has not received any complaints from parents, and I have been warmly received by the children.

"If any parent has any concerns about the education their child is receiving, they should immediately contact the class teacher, or headteacher."