'It's me' - teacher Lisa returns as Michael

The North Yorkshire teacher who became a sir rather than a miss meets the media today with the message: "I am Mike Garside, this is me."

Lisa Garside, a 36-year-old drama teacher at King James's School, Knaresborough, will be back among its 1,500 pupils as Michael Garside when the new term begins tomorrow.

Speaking for the first time since before the summer and since changing names, Mike declared he had enjoyed "a great relaxing summer".

Wearing a red shirt, waistcoat, jeans and brown brogues, Mike said he was ready to return to the classroom.

He admitted he was expecting some barracking from students but nothing unusual.

Mike, who will be a form tutor for year 11 students, said he would "understand" if parents had a problem with the situation, "but I hope we can deal with it, this is how it is".

Letters explaining the sex change went out to parents before the summer. Head teacher Dr David Hudson said today he had received five letters over the holidays, three of support and two "wondering but not against".

Dr Hudson read out a letter written by some students at the school which he said summed up the feelings of staff.

The letter said: "Every pupil hopes that she comes back to school into a comfortable environment and that she will be respected for who she is, not what she is."

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