A VICAR who worked closely with a former Accrington headteacher accused of sexually assaulting a pupil said the claims were 'unbelievable'.

James Bird, former head at St Peter's Primary School in Cartmel Avenue, is standing trial over the accusation relating to alleged incidents more than 10 years ago.

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He is accused of assaulting a young boy on 'seven or eight occasions' after he had been sent out of lessons for bad behaviour.

He denies four counts of gross indecency.

Yesterday at Preston Crown Court, the jury heard testimonies from a number of friends and colleagues of the 53-year-old, describing him as a caring, professional, church-going man with strong Christian values.

Donald Heaps, retired headteacher of Baxenden Primary School, where Mr Bird was previously deputy head, said: "He was an excellent deputy and was well-respected by the staff and pupils, parents and school governors.

"He worked hard and was honest and trustworthy."

Rev Adrian Lyon, a vicar in St Annes, who used to work in Accrington and was chairman of governors during Mr Bird's headship at St Peter's, was stunned when told the nature of the allegations.

"I did have contacts in the wider community and if anyone had reason to be concerned they would have had opportunities to tell me."

Rev Lyon continued: "He was thoroughly professional.

"His approach to children was one that he wanted them to excel and be the best they could possible be."

Mr Bird, of Leyland, was most recently headteacher at Newton Bluecoat school near Preston, but has been suspended while the case is ongoing.

Chairman of governors at Newton Bluecoats Darren Clayton, told the court: "He is friendly but quite reserved.

"He is in a position of authority and the children know and respect that."

Written statements were also read out by colleagues of Mr Bird's, including his former and current deputies, and his local vicar Canon David Gibb.

Canon Gibb said: "It has been my privilege to know James Bird for the past 13 years.

"He has a wise head and is someone whose opinion I respect.

"He is honest and sees his Christian faith as underpinning his whole life.

"He is a thoroughly decent guy."

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