A TEACHER unfairly sacked from Droitwich Spa High School has accepted a £50,000 compensation pay out.

Ruta Rusenieks, who won an unfair dismissal tribunal in January, was offered a settlement by Worcestershire County Council.

"It has taken three years, a lot of money and a lot of time but I am now vindicated and looking to the future," she said.

Ms Rusenieks was dismissed in June 2000 when the council and former headteacher Cledwyn Davies called into question her management of the Briar Mill school's languages department and the Bristol resident was accused of bullying staff.

A High Court ruling backed the education authority but Ms Rusenieks, aged 52, went on to win an employment tribunal.

"I am looking forward to a well deserved holiday and picking up my career," she said.

"It has been difficult getting work because I have to explain my three year gap and employers don't like the word sacked - even though accusations made against me were unfounded."

Ms Rusenieks claims her classroom conduct was never criticised and she wished Droitwich Spa High School a successful future.

Mr Davies has since taken on a top-level position with Swindon Education Authority. "I am disappointed, but not entirely surprised," he said.

The county council, which backed the head over the sacking, is disappointed with the outcome.

"We worked with the school over a long period to resolve problems with Ms Rusenieks, but sadly these were unable to be resolved," a spokesman explained.

"However, we are pleased to say the Modern Foreign Languages at the school is now a thriving and highly successful department."