A DJ has quit as a station’s breakfast show host after he was questioned by police for contacting a 14-year-old girl on the internet.

Chris Hakin was a presenter at Star Radio, based in Darlington. He resigned last week after complaints were made following an event at a school.

The 23-year-old used the Facebook website to contact a pupil he had met during a roadshow at Hurworth School, in Darlington.

Police found that no inappropriate contact had been made, but Mr Hakin apologised and resigned.

He described the incident as a silly mistake, and said: “I unreservedly apologise for any upset caused to the girl and family in question. I am also sorry for tarnishing the reputation of Star Radio.

“It is the right thing for me to resign.”

He said he now plans to travel overseas for a year.

The station hosted a show at the school on Tuesday last week, as part of a campaign run with Darlington Borough Council to raise awareness of the dangers of drug and alcohol misuse.

Children were invited to take part in interviews and discussions, and the girl in question was part of a group of pupils who helped during recording.

The girl told teachers the next day that Mr Hakin had used Facebook to get in touch with her after the show.

Social services officials were notified and police were called.

The radio station’s computers were examined, but police did not find any inappropriate material, and no charges will be brought against Mr Hakin, who presented the station’s breakfast show broadcast to the Northallerton area.

The girl’s father was later arrested for assaulting Mr Hakin in the town centre. He received a police caution.

A police spokesman said: “There will be no further action as far as police are concerned.”

The girl’s father told The Northern Echo: “I was furious when I found out about this. He should never have contacted a girl that age. I am just glad my daughter had the sense to tell her teacher.”

A Star Radio spokesman said: “We acted swiftly as soon as this matter was brought to our attention.

“Although this was a minor breach of our internet policy, we take our responsibilities as a broadcaster and member of the local community seriously and accepted Chris’ resignation.”