A teacher has been banned from a primary school after telling children Father Christmas does not exist.
The female supply teacher told pupils at Blackshaw Lane Primary in Royton, Oldham, that it was parents, not Santa, who left their gifts on Christmas Day.
Several parents complained to the head teacher, who has since accepted an apology from the teacher concerned.
But head Angela McCormick has since told the agency she does not want the teacher to work there again.
Mrs McCormick has also written to parents and the seven-year-old children in year three to apologise.
School governor, Councillor Steve Bashforth said: "It would take more than one Grinch to spoil the magic of Christmas.
"The parents, quite understandably, were more than a little upset."
The teacher involved works for the Rochdale and Oldham Supply Agency (ROSA), funded by Rochdale and Oldham councils.
A spokesman for Rochdale council, which runs the service, confirmed an investigation had been launched.
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