Lydd School head teacher Andrea Charman who caused controversy over a decision to send a lamb hand-reared by schoolchildren to slaughter has resigned for "personal reasons", Kent County Council (KCC) have announced.

People from across the country, including comedian Paul O'Grady, spoke out against the slaughter and raffle of the meat.

Mrs Charman defended the decision at the time, saying the aim was to educate children about the food cycle at the school, which is within a farming community.

A statement from KCC said: "The headteacher of Lydd Primary School will be stepping down at the end of the week.

"Andrea Charman has decided to leave the school for personal reasons. The governing body would like to thank Mrs Charman for all her hard work during her time at the school."

Mrs Charman said the decision to slaughter Marcus had the support of the school council, staff, the governing body and most parents at the school.