I WOULD be most grateful if you would allow me to use your letters page to thank all the people who were so supportive last week through my legal difficulties with my former employer Swindon Borough Council.

Everyone at Lethbridge Primary School, parents, teachers, governors and especially my own class were fantastic.

They were completely supportive, even in the face of prodding comments and television cameras.

I have been overwhelmed by all the phone calls, cards, letters and even flowers from everyone in the education community (in the broadest sense!) in Swindon.

Of course I deeply regret that, however inadvertently I had broken the law by teaching in a Swindon school.

On the other hand, I have to say I love it and I'm delighted that I can continue by working for an agency until May.

I'm not sure what has been gained by what happened last week, except that I now know how many wonderful friends I have and I feel very grateful to them all.

JO GARTON

Dixon Street

Swindon