A HEADTEACHER suspended from his job after being wrongly accused of downloading child pornography and assault has been reinstated.

Damian Marsh, 42, head of St Andrew's Primary, in Ramsbottom, can return to work immediately, education bosses confirmed.

Mr Marsh was arrested after a complaint was made against him. He was then suspended in line with council procedure.

He has now been cleared by police who subsequently charged a man with perverting the course of justice in connection with the allegations.

School governors said the decision came `as no surprise' and they were `looking forward to welcoming him back'.

A council spokesman said: "It is clear the allegations were completely unfounded. It is also clear there were no child protection or disciplinary issues. The suspension has therefore been lifted.

"Mr Marsh is free to resume his role immediately and we hope it will be as soon as possible. We will give him any support or help he may need."

Mr Marsh, of Bacup, near Rawtenstall, was arrested on January 24. Two computers were seized but tests showed no indecent images had ever been downloaded.

A police spokesman said: "As a result, he is no longer being investigated."

Parents at the school have voiced overwhelming support for the popular headteacher.

Andrew Collis, 41, from Shawfield, Rawtenstall, appeared before magistrates last week charged with perverting the course of justice in connection with the allegations. He was bailed to appear at Burnley Crown Court later this year.