A SECONDARY school teacher who contributed on an extreme right-wing website during a lesson could be struck off, it has emerged.

Adam Walker, 39, a British National Party member, may become the first person to be banned by the General Teaching Council (GTC) for religious intolerance.

He resigned from Houghton Kepier Sports College in Houghton-le-Spring, near Sunderland, last year over allegations that he posted critical comments about asylum seekers, Islam, immigrants and the promotion of homosexuality on a chat forum during a lesson.

Mr Walker has since been employed as a supply teacher at Teesdale School in Barnard Castle.

His brother Mark Walker, a fellow BNP member and also a technology teacher, was suspended by Sunnydale Community College, Shildon, Co Durham, for accessing the BNP website during school hours.

Adam Walker, a former soldier and karate expert, admitted contributing to the forum during work-time and left his post last year.

He now faces GTC disciplinary hearing which could ban him from teaching, for demonstrating views suggestive of racial and religious intolerance.

His case is being fought by the trade union Solidarity, which is closely linked to the BNP and of which Adam Walker is president.

Its general secretary Patrick Harrington said Mr Walker admitted he was wrong to use his laptop to contribute to the forum during work time.

But that was a contractual matter between him and his employer.

"When he resigned, that should have been the end of the matter.

"We feel this raises human rights issues.

"He has a right, like every other citizen, to freedom of expression and association.

"He criticised Islam in his posting, but people criticise religions all the time."

Mr Harrington said the union would take the case to the High Court if they lose the GMC hearing, which will be held in due course.

He said Mark Walker remained in limbo after his suspension more than a year ago and was showing signs of depression.