A GEOGRAPHY teacher who was cleared of indecently assaulting a pupil will return to school for the start of term.

Michael Pendlington, 51, has been reinstated in his old job as head of department following his acquittal at Teesside Crown Court last month.

A spokesman for Stockton Borough Council said: "Now that the case is settled, the reinstatement of Mr Pendlington took place on August 31 and he will be returning to work for the start of the new term."

A jury took just an hour to unanimously clear him of two charges of indecent assault on the teenage pupil.

The girl claimed in March last year that Mr Pendlington, of Miller Crescent, Hartlepool, had regularly abused her when they were alone in a classroom.

While he admitted pupils often came into his room at lunchtimes as part of his "open house" policy, he denied ever being alone with her.

Mr Pendlington, who has taught for 28 years, was backed by colleagues at school, who submitted letters of support to the court.

His reinstatement was recommended by Judge Peter Fox in his summing up of the case.

"I would hope Mr Pendlington be reinstated in his position as head of the geography department at the very earliest opportunity and for the beginning of the imminent term."

And he told Mr Pendlington: "You may leave this court without a stain on your character."