A TEACHER has admitted a string of sex offences involving a schoolgirl.

Mark Harrison pleaded guilty at Bolton Crown Court today to grooming a child for sexual activity and four counts of sexual activity with a child.

Harrison, aged 49, of Stanley Road, Whitefield, pleaded not guilty to another charge of sexual activity with a child. That charge will remain on file.

Harrison is a former teacher at St Monica’s High School in Prestwich.

Harrison admitted  travelling to meet a 14-year-old girl on at least two occasions between March 1 and May 20 this year, with the intention of committing a sexual offence.

He also admitted three charges relating to three incidents on Sunday, May 5, when he performed sex acts on the girl.

Harrison denied one charge of performing a sex act on the girl on the same day, but admitted another charge of touching the girl in a sexual manner, on Saturday, May 11.

Harrison was granted conditional bail, and will return to Bolton Crown Court on December 6 for sentence.