The call was made at a packed meeting organised by Friends of Rusty and Steve, a group supporting teachers Leonora Rustamova and Steve Cann.

Both been suspended from Calder High School in Mytholmroyd – Miss Rustamova after publishing a book featuring pupils.

The meeting at Salem Mill Community Centre in Hebden Bridge, attended by around 60 people including current and former students, also heard claims that police were called to the school to confiscate badges showing support for the teachers.

Former pupil Travis Downs, 17, one of the students featured in the book, said pupils were now allowed to wear badges on their coats but not on their school uniforms. The meeting follows a mass demonstration involving hundreds of pupils over the suspensions.

Yesterday the Courier reported how some parents feared students were having their education disrupted by the pupils' demonstrations and parents who have organised internet pressure groups.

Some people last night said no further public action should be taken in case it prevented the teachers returning.

They said they would rather the investigation be carried out over several months if it meant it would be thorough.

Others wanted an investigation into the decision to suspend the teachers and how the matter has been handled.

They complained of a drawn-out process, which, they said, had not informed parents or students properly.

Several students taught by Miss Rustamova and Mr Cann said their GCSE studies were suffering because the teachers had been suspended. Testi-monials from students and parents in support of the two teachers were posted on the walls of the community centre and people at the meeting were encouraged to write to education and teachers union bosses.

Others urged people to complain to education chiefs at Calderdale Council about the situation.