A HEADTEACHER is unable to work for more than a month after “slipping on a stray nacho” at a Mexican-themed school quiz evening.

Michele Lawrie, headteacher at St Peter’s Community Infant and Nursery School in Portslade, seriously injured her back after the fall on Friday, May 15.

Daphne Geal, the school’s chair of governors, said she believed Ms Lawrie slipped on the nacho after the Parent Teacher Association made a “terrific chilli” at the adult-only event.

Mrs Geal said: “Our headteacher Michele Lawrie injured her back recently clearing up after a Parent Teacher Association quiz night.

“The PTA had kindly made a terrific chilli, and we believe she slipped on a stray nacho.

“I’m pleased to say the event was a big success, raising £260 for the PTA.

“She is an excellent headteacher and we wish her a speedy recovery.”

Asked when Ms Lawrie would return to work, Mrs Geal said: “Michele’s injuries are quite serious but she is responding well to treatment. We are hoping she will be back by the middle of June.”

Ms Lawrie, 55, told The Argus that the school was raising funds for new lighting in its educational air-raid shelter.

St Peter’s is a one-form entry primary and nursery for kids aged three to 11. It has around 200 pupils on its books.

School bosses originally applied for a licence to sell alcohol at the PTA event – but the application was rejected by Brighton and Hove City Council.

Parents told The Argus guests were instead invited to bring their own alcohol to the evening.