A 67-year-old retired maths teacher yesterday admitted sexually abusing two children more than 30 years ago.

The charges against Alan Brigden, of Nieuwe Weteringstraat, Amsterdam, arose out of a long-running inquiry into allegations relating to the former St George's School, which was originally based in Wicklewood, near Wymondham, before moving to Great Finborough, near Stowmarket.

It is understood that at the time of the offences Brigden was teaching at Wicklewood and at a school in Sussex.

Brigden appeared before a judge for a plea hearing at Ipswich Crown Court and admitted four offences of assault with intent to commit buggery and four offences of indecency with a boy under the age of 14.

He also admitted six offences of indecent assault on a boy under the age of 14.

The offences took place between 1977 and 1980.

The case was adjourned to a date to be fixed for Brigden, who is being held in custody, to be sentenced.

Nicholas Bleaney, for Brigden, who was extradited to the UK from Holland in January, said his client realised he was facing a lengthy prison sentence.

He said Brigden was in a poor state of health and said psychiatric and medical reports had been prepared on him.

Afterwards Suffolk police's head of public protection, Det Supt Alan Caton, said: 'The passing of 35 years has not hindered the legal process.

'Time may make our investigations more complicated but it will not stop them.

'We will robustly investigate any offences brought to our attention, however old.

'I commend those boys, now men, brave enough to speak up about their suffering years ago.'