Relatives of a teenager who has gone on holiday with her married teacher today remained tight-lipped about the scandal which has rocked a Westcliff catholic school.

Father-of-two Paul Hillen, 36, was today understood to still be in Spain with blonde 18-year-old Stephanie Cackett.

The revelations have shocked staff, pupils and the close-knit community of St Bernard's High School in Westcliff.

The pair met at the grant maintained Roman Catholic school in Milton Road where Miss Cackett, of Southend, was a pupil.

She has now left the sixth form without completing her studies.

Married Mr Hillen - a teacher of two years at the school - was head of sciences until he was forced to resign over the relationship.

He is rumoured to have been given a £7,000 handshake to try to save the school from a scandal. The school declined to comment on this.

A relative of Miss Cackett today refused to comment.

Phil Harvey, deputy headteacher, confirmed Mr Hillen was in his second year of teaching at the school when he left and that he held the position of head of sciences.

He added: "I cannot comment further other than to say that Mr Hillen's resignation was effective as of December 31."

Father George Stokes, education director of the Diocese of Brentwood, said he was not aware of the incident.

He said: "This is something which is the business of the governing body of the school. I do not get involved in such disciplinary matters."

Together - Paul Hillen strolls towards the Spanish beach hand in hand with a girl said to be Stephanie Cackett

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