A PE teacher who was suspended after pictures of him naked appeared on a gay porn website has resigned.

Sam Handley, of Silver Hill Road, Willesborough, had been suspended from the Harvey Grammar School, Folkestone, since the pictures came to light last month.

In a statement, the school said it had accepted his resignation “following recent media interest” into matters concerning him.

It added: “The school fully accepts Mr Handley’s assurances that the events in question took place prior to him being offered and taking up employment at the school, and that he has not engaged in anything similar whilst employed at the school.”

Mr Handley, 25, has insisted the pictures were taken some years ago before he became a teacher.

His sister, Sophie Desai, defended him, saying: “He had no idea they would be used in this way.

“He has been a bit naive but has done nothing wrong. The photos were not taken for this purpose. We have no idea how this has happened.”

Mr Handley was not available for comment this week.