A HEADTEACHER who sparked national outcry after booking his staff on a training trip to Marbella appears to be trying to strip a governor of his MBE for condemning his actions.

Don Evans, pictured, has been a school governor for more than 30 years and was awarded an MBE for services to the community and education in 2000.

He resigned from Edensor Technology College's board this month after an extraordinary meeting called to hold headteacher Richard Mercer and chair of governors Keith Pritchard to account over the debacle was cancelled.

On Thursday a scheduled annual governors meeting, where other members planned to ask questions about how the trip was approved, was also cancelled for unknown reasons.

The Marbella trip was halted at the last minute after hitting the national headlines, and the school lost almost £30,000. The training session was eventually held in the school hall last month.

Mr Evans, of Baddeley Green, said at least seven of the school's 14 governors knew nothing about the trip before it was booked and now wanted the chance to "clear their names".

But he was shocked to receive a letter from Mr Mercer accusing him of "physical threats" towards Mr Pritchard, which Mr Evans denies, and "betraying" the school by speaking to The Sentinel.

The letter also describes Mr Evans as "a disgrace to the MBE" and was copied in to the Government's Cabinet Office in an apparent bid to get the award taken back.

Another copy was sent to the school's staff notice board, which Mr Evans claims amounts to "public humiliation".

Mr Evans is now seeking legal advice about the accusations, which he says are libellous. Three other governors, who wished to remain anonymous, backed up Mr Evans's version of events.

Mr Evans said: "Mr Mercer didn't even attend the extraordinary meeting so he didn't see what happened and, though I voiced my frustration at the meeting being cancelled, I was never aggressive. As governors we have a right to know what went on over that trip.

"Now it's getting nasty. I got my MBE for fighting for what I think is right and I will continue to do that and clear my name. I will not be put off."

It is understood that to be stripped of an honour, the holder would have to have been convicted of a serious crime and brought the honours system into disrepute. However this is extremely rare and would involve a lengthy investigation.

Governors say they are frustrated they must now wait until the next scheduled meeting in January for the chance to ask questions about the training trip.

One anonymous member said: "We have all been asked in letters from the headteacher if we are going to resign as well. But we are staying so we can get to the truth."

Mr Mercer said: "I'm sorry that this dispute should disrupt the school's work and take the focus away from the standards of education delivered by staff and the achievements of pupils.

"We want to work with all the community and drive forward the best education for our pupils, rather than have a public debate over a private letter."

Chair of governors Mr Pritchard added: "The board of governors helps ensure that college decisions have the best interests of pupils and their education at heart. Mr Evans's behaviour is unfortunate but the remaining governors are working hard to drive the school forward."