A PRIMARY school headteacher, previously praised for his “strong leadership” has been charged with drink driving.

Simon Tonge, 48, was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving following a four-car smash in Turton.

Police were called to Blackburn Road at around 5.30pm on Wednesday, following reports of a crash involving four vehicles.

Mr Tonge, who is currently head teacher at Spring Hill Community Primary School, in Accrington, was later charged with the offence.

According to the ambulance service, no one was taken to hospital but a woman was assessed at the scene. 

In an Ofsted inspection, published in March 2018, Mr Tonge was praised for his leadership qualities.

The report said: “The leadership team has maintained the good quality of education in the school since the last inspection.

“You provide strong leadership and have steered the school successfully through a period of change with resilience.

“Governors and staff support you well and share your high aspirations for teaching and learning.”

The school, which was rated as ‘good’ in the inspection, has declined to comment on the charges.

He previously was deputy head of Turton and Edgworth Primary School.

A spokesman for Lancashire Constabulary said: “We were called at 5.33pm on Wednesday (October 9) to reports of a collision on Blackburn Road, Turton.

“It involved four vehicles. Nobody was injured. A 48-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving.

“Simon Tonge, 48, of Bradshaw Meadows, has been charged with drink driving.”

Paul Heaton, vice-chair of governors at Spring Hill Community Primary School, said: “It would be inappropriate to comment on individual cases. However schools have very robust procedures in place to deal with any issues that arise.”