A woman drama teacher at a large comprehensive school will return to the classroom in September as Mr instead of Miss following a summer holiday sex change.

Lisa Garside will be back among the 1,500 pupils at King James's School, Knaresborough, as Michael Garside when the new term begins.

Already parents of the 11 to 18-year-old pupils have received letters this week announcing the shock end-of-term news.

Speaking today about her momentous decision, the drama teacher said: "I had to do this. Medical and legal advice, after treatment and counselling, was that it was time to make the change."

Miss Garside, who has taught drama at the school for 14 years, will be continuing in the job. She added: "This in no way affects my ability as a teacher. I am the same teacher as I have ever been."

This view was echoed by headteacher Dr David Hudson, who said: "The school has a non-discrimination and equal opportunities policy for all regardless of gender or race. As such I fully support her right to make this decision and support her position. It won't affect her teaching ability one iota."

He added: "It will be difficult for all of us, but I have no doubt that the moral and supportive atmosphere at King James's School will see us through this challenging transition."

Miss Garside said she had had a very good response from her teacher colleagues since informing them of her decision and Dr Hudson had been "extremely supportive."

She said she had chosen the name "Mike" because it "just seemed to fit".

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