A teacher at a Dartford theatre school that helped set Bond girl Gemma Arterton on the road to stardom has been suspended.

Robbie McGovan has been "temporarily relieved of duties" from Miskin Theatre, part of North West Kent College.

The college confirmed Mr McGovan, who founded the Miskin, has been suspended amid an investigation, but gave no more details.

It comes after the theatre's production of Oh What a Lovely War - directed by Mr McGovan - started on Tuesday and finishes on Sunday.

Theatre director and curriculum supervisor at Miskin, Denise Evans, is directing the play in Mr McGovan's absence while Lindsey O'Malley, associate head of school, is believed to have temporarily taken over his role as academic director of arts .

Rated as "outstanding" by Ofsted, the Miskin Theatre has previously produced stars such as Arterton - who starred in St Trinians and the James Bond film Quantum of Solace.

"Robbie leaving has had a massive impact on the ability to learn during this last term for both actors and technicians as it has left the remaining staff confused and fighting for position..." - theatre school student

A NWKC spokesman said: "Robbie McGovan, academic director of arts, has been suspended pending an internal investigation.

"This is a neutral act which by no means infers any guilt or wrongdoing. North West Kent College has no further comment to make."

Mr McGovan, whose wife Marie has worked as head of the costume department at the theatre, is understood to have been at the Miskin Theatre for almost 20 years.

A theatre school student, who did not wish to be named said: "It's been the most stressful process I've been involved in at the Miskin.

"Robbie leaving has had a massive impact on the ability to learn during this last term for both actors and technicians as it has left the remaining staff confused and fighting for position.

"The students are being kept completely in the dark."