A Headteacher suspended after being accused of slapping a pupil has vowed to clear her name, her union said.

Elizabeth Carey, 51, is said to be "deeply distressed" by the allegations.

Miss Carey has been suspended from the ten-pupil Milfield First School, near Wooler, Northumberland, for more than five weeks.

Her case is being supported by the National Union of Teachers, which says it receives up to three calls a week from North-East members about false claims of assault.

A police investigation into the claims is under way