A HEADteacher suspended pending police inquiries into poison pen letter allegations has been reinstated by popular demand.

Alan Smith, 53, has returned to his desk at Mill Hill Primary School, in Doxford Park, Sunderland, while police continue to investigate the source of letters sent to a fellow headteacher and an education department official.

They are understood to make allegations of professional incompetence against other teachers and education officials.

Mr Smith, who denies writing the letters, was questioned about them and bailed by police to allow further inquiries to be made.

In line with usual procedure, he was immediately suspended, pending the outcome of the police investigation.

Parents expressed surprise at the allegations and, following representations by Mr Smith's union, the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT), and Sunderland education authority, the school governors agreed to overturn the suspension.

John Heslop, NAHT regional officer, said the association felt the suspension was unnecessary.

"The NAHT is delighted because we did feel his suspension was inappropriate and didn't serve any purpose whatsoever."

Mr Heslop said Mr Smith was "thrilled" by the union support and at the decision allowing him to return to work.

Mr Smith, a qualified Ofsted school inspector, is expected to answer his police bail at the outcome of inquiries, in March.