THE headteacher of Eastbourne Comprehensive School, in Darlington, will not be replaced immediately, according to education officials.

Parents were shocked to discover earlier this week that the school's headteacher Richard Appleton and chairman of governors Councillor Ian Haszeldine had both resigned.

Mr Appleton will leave the school at the end of the month and Coun Haszeldine was expected to officially step down at a governors' meeting last night. Yesterday, it was revealed that deputy headteacher Karen Pemberton would take over from Mr Appleton on a temporary basis.

A spokesman for Darlington Borough Council said: "Ms Pemberton will step into the post and a permanent headteacher will be appointed in due time."

Coun Haszeldine said he had too much work to continue at the school.

Mr Appleton said he wanted to pursue a new career in other areas of education.