THE headteacher of a primary school has been charged with a sex attack on a child.

Peter Berry, head at Great Moor Junior School in Stockport, faces a charge of gross indecency with a child under 16 in Tintwistle.

Mr Berry, 45, head for 14 years, made a first appearance before magistrates in Buxton on Monday. The charge relates to an alleged incident in 1991, before Mr Berry worked at the Stockport school.

Mr Berry who lives in Stockport, was suspended from his position when the allegations first surfaced in January. Derbyshire police confirmed that he was charged on 21 May.

He was bailed to appear before magistrates again on 27 July, when the case is expected to be committed to Derby crown court. Mr Berry has not yet entered a plea.

Education bosses have written to parents of all pupils at the school. The letter states: "Mr Berry, headteacher of Great Moor Junior School, has not been in school since January 2009. At that time the local authority was informed of an allegation made against him. While the allegation related to matters some 17 years ago and prior to him working for Stockport, a decision was made that he should not return to school until the results of any investigation were known."