DISMISSED Salisbury College principal Howard O'Keeffe has been reinstated but has agreed to stay away from work until a special committee of governors has concluded an investigation into the affair.

The U-turn is thought to have been prompted by exchanges between lawyers for the college and its head, in which Mr O'Keeffe argued that he was sacked illegally and without explanation.

Mr O'Keeffe and the college parted company in November, amid rumours of a revolt by some governors, who objected to his radical plans to overhaul the college's chain of command and make some managers redundant.

Mr O'Keeffe came to Salisbury in March, with the reputation of having turned round the fortunes of Havant Sixth Form College, in Hampshire.

He was charged with the task of rejuvenating Salisbury College, which had been in debt for several years.

The abrupt departure of Mr O'Keeffe caused outrage at the time.

The principals of Wiltshire College, Swindon College and New College clubbed together to write a letter to Salisbury College condemning Mr O'Keefe's dismissal.

They threatened that, if an arrangement were not reached with Mr O'Keeffe, they would move to have Salisbury dismissed from the Association of Colleges, launch an investigation into the actions of the board of governors and effectively blacklist Salisbury, hitting future recruitment of staff.

Some 22 principals in neighbouring Hampshire also wrote in support of Mr O'Keeffe.

Now, pending investigation of the breakdown in relations between Mr O'Keeffe and some governors, the board has reinstated his £75,000 salary.

It is thought that the special committee investigating the affair would consist of three or four governors who did not take part in the decision to part company with Mr O'Keeffe

Chairman of governors Peter Riggs refused to comment, saying that the whole affair was still sub judice.

The college has not issued a statement and said that the matter was in the hands of its lawyers.

Mr O'Keeffe has made no comment but previously has indicated that he would fight to save his unblemished 30-year career in education.

He is expected to put his case to the special committee of governors.