A teacher has resigned after being arrested as part of a nationwide police investigation into internet child pornography.

Jonathan Collard has been released on bail while inquiries continue as part of the inquiry into online paedophilia.

The former head of geography at Great Walstead School, near Haywards Heath, was suspended when the school was told of the investigation.

The school's registrar Jane Howard said: "We can confirm a member of our staff, Mr Jonathan Collard, is being investigated by the police for matters relating to child protection, specifically downloading images from the internet.

"On being told of the investigation on December 17, the headmaster Mr Hugh Lowries immediately suspended Mr Collard from his duties at the school. Mr Lowries has written to all governors and parents."

The arrest is part of Operation Ore, the largest investigation by British officers into online paedophilia and child porn.

Superintendent Mark Streater said: "Sussex Police is carrying out a number of arrests in connection with Operation Ore. One of those took place at Great Walstead School. The individual has been arrested and bailed pending further enquiries.

"This is a big operation involving quite a few people across the county."

In a letter to parents, Mr Lowries said there was no suggestion Mr Collard, who taught at the school for 20 years, had at any time behaved in an inappropriate manner with children at the school or elsewhere.