A TEACHER has been suspended amid claims of an alleged irregularity in an A-level music examination.

Education chiefs are carrying out an inquiry into allegations that the teacher helped pupils cheat during the exam at Skipton Girls High School, in North Yorkshire.

North Yorkshire County Council confirmed yesterday that the teacher had been suspended for the duration of the investigation.

"The examining board have been notified and will decide what action to take once the investigation is completed," said an authority spokesman.

"They have stated that steps will be taken to safeguard the candidates involved, by ensuring they are not penalised as a result of circumstances beyond their control.