A former primary head teacher has admitted making hundreds of indecent images of children, including some in the most serious category.

Tim Watson, 55, who was in charge of Cliffe Woods Primary School, appeared at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday accused of making more than 800 images over a 15-year period.

They include 17 still images at the highest level of seriousness of A, 108 at the next level of B and 718 at the lowest level of C.

He admitted making the images between January 2000 and April this year.

He has not been at the school since his arrest in April and he resigned in August.

Watson, formerly of Gillingham but who now lives in Nottingham, has been bailed until January 11, when he will be sentenced.

Parents were sent a letter before the end of summer holidays from chairman of governors, Dianne Foreman, explaining that she had accepted Watson’s resignation effective from August 31.

The letter also announced the appointment of Sarah Robins as interim deputy head and said the school would continue to be supported by The Williamson Trust for as long as was required.

The school was rated outstanding by Ofsted following an inspection in March when Watson was described as “an inspirational leader”.