A TEACHER has been banned from the classroom after striking up an inappropriate relationship with a pupil.

Reece Entwistle used his position to foster a "sexually motivated relationship" with a 15-year-old pupil, a disciplinary panel found.

Entwistle, who taught at Ladybridge High School, was suspended and later resigned.

Police also investigated the relationship but Entwistle was cleared in court.

Entwistle, aged 35, who did not appear at the hearing, used Skype to communicate with the girl and frequently texted her, with more than 1,000 messages being exchanged.

In one exchange the pair said they loved each other.

He also faced allegations of kissing the pupil in his car at the Trafford Centre — but the panel found there was no evidence of this.

In a written ruling Alan Meyrick, of the National College for Teaching and Leadership, said: “He had been warned by a teacher at the school to be careful about his relationship with the pupil yet he continued his inappropriate contact with her, despite the clear advice he had been given orally and in writing.

“Even after he had been suspended pending the outcome of the school and police investigation he continued to contact her and urged her to lie about their relationship and to delete from her phone the text messages that had passed between them.

“We have found proved that his conduct was sexually motivated and we are satisfied that this is a case of unacceptable professional conduct.”

Mr Meyrick added: “The panel has also determined that Mr Entwistle used his professional position to foster a sexually motivated relationship with the pupil."

The panel ruled that Entwistle should not be entitled to apply to be allowed to teach again — but he has the right to appeal this decision.

Last June Entwistle was acquitted of six charges of sexual activity with a child — but was banned from contacting the 15-year-old girl.

Entwistle, of Brighton Terrace, Darwen, was charged with six counts of sexual offences with a 15-year-old girl.

Judge Timothy Clayson ruled that he should be acquitted of all charges but gave Entwistle a four-year restraining order preventing him from contacting the girl.

A spokesman for the school said: “Safeguarding our pupils is of paramount importance. However, it would be inappropriate for us to comment on this case as it is a matter for the National College for Teaching and Leadership.”