A BOLTON primary school teacher, who was cleared of indecently assaulting six pupils, has resigned. Neville Moss, 50, quit just weeks after walking free from Bolton Crown Court having been found not guilty of 13 charges of indecent assault.

The father-of-five had always denied the allegations.

But after his courtroom victory detectives launched a new probe into fresh allegations, which it is understood were unrelated to the recent case.

Last month a decision was made not to take that latest investigation any further and his police bail was cancelled.

School governors were due to meet this month to discuss Mr Moss's teaching future but his shock resignation means they now will not be forced to make a decision.

Last night, a council spokesman confirmed that Mr Moss, of Higher Drake Meadow, Westhoughton, had tendered his resignation to the governors, effective from October 31, which had been accepted.

He said: "The school arranged for a date in mid-November for an internal hearing. Clearly, this will not take place now.

"Throughout the process, the governing body acted appropriately and in line with advice.

"A mutually agreeable conclusion to the matter has now been reached."

Mr Moss had been suspended on full pay since the original allegations were made against him 12 months ago.

Last month, when a BEN reporter spoke to Mr Moss at his detached home about the decision to scrap the latest police investigation, he would not say if he would return to the classroom.

At that time, he spoke of his relief that his ordeal had finished, saying: 'It's over and I'm relieved."

Now he has decided to quit.

In a statement issued on behalf of the school and its board of governors, a spokesman said: "Our thoughts are with the parties concerned in this matter and we hope all can now move forward with the healing process."

Mr Moss was not available for comment yesterday.