A teacher at Castle Community College in Deal is under investigation over reports of his relationship with 20-year-old youth police and crime commissioner Kerry Boyd.

Robert Burgess - employed at the school in Mill Hill, but currently signed off sick - is a married father-of-two who lives in Ramsgate with his wife Eunice.

It is believed a probe is being carried out at the school to establish the 50-year-old's suitability as a teacher in the light of the revelations.

Miss Boyd is the second youth tsar appointed by police and crime commissioner Ann Barnes - succeeding Paris Brown, who was forced to quit over racist and homophobic tweets.

An inquiry has been set up to investigate claims of a close relationship she had with Mr Burgess, who was a referee when she applied for the job.

This is the latest blow for the school, which was placed in special measures in March.

The director of the company brought in to help the school out of special measures, Elias Achilleos, said: "He is not here at the moment. He is signed off sick."

Temporary head Jane Hadlow said: "We are able to reassure everyone the school is working with all relevant agencies and all appropriate actions are being taken. There is no indication children are at risk.

"He is not here at the moment. He is signed off sick..." - school director Elias Achilleos

Mr Burgess, a former Thanet county councillor, told a national newspaper: "I have been very close with Kerry for a period of time, a good few months.

"I have helped her with her work and she has helped with mine. She is a dear friend."

It has emerged Mr Burgess is a former technology teacher at Miss Boyd's old school, Hartsdown Academy in Thanet.

The former head girl is paid £15,000 a year to complete her role and is currently not attending any public engagements.

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