John Owen arriving at a court hearing

Emyr Edwards' resignation came after he had given evidence at the John Owen inquiry into allegations of abuse by drama teacher John Owen at Ysgol Gyfun Rhydfelen from the 70s through to the early 90s.

Speaking at the hearing on Friday, Mr Edwards denied victims' allegations that he was present at A-level practical exams when they claim they performed material of a sexual content, including nudity.

Earlier this week, the inquiry heard that a complaint had been received by the WJEC (Welsh Joint Education Committee) in 1991 about Mr Edwards from a parent.

But, Mr Edwards told the inquiry, the examining board had never contacted him about it.

Mr Edwards resigned unexpectedly

It was on Thursday that Rhondda Cynon Taf Council told how the WJEC had given assurances that Mr Edwards would not be present at drama practicals until the allegations had been investigated.

The WJEC was also reported to have said that as well as not attending drama practicals, Mr Edwards would soon be retiring.

Giving evidence on Friday, Mr Edwards said no one had ever informed him that he would be not present at such practical exams.

Announcing his resignation, he said he felt angry that he was not given the opportunity to clear his good name at the proper time and before a tribunal.

Commissioner

The John Owen or Clywch inquiry was set up by Children's Commissioner for Wales Peter Clarke to investigate allegations of abuse by against former pupils.

Mr Owen, 49, from Tylorstown, Rhondda, south Wales, resigned from Ysgol Gyfun Rhydfelen in 1991.

He went on to become a successful television script writer, creating the popular Welsh-language youth drama Pam Fi Duw? (Why Me God?).

Then in 2001, he was charged with five counts of indecency with boys between 1974 and 1991.

Mr Owen was found dead at Trecco Bay in Porthcawl, south Wales, the day before he was due back in court to answer the charges.

He had taken a lethal overdose of morphine.

In a written statement following the resignation of Mr Edwards, the WJEC said its aim "is to protect both the integrity of its examinations and the welfare of candidates."

The statement went on: "The WJEC's priority is now to ensure that this summer's examinations in drama proceed as smoothly as possible."

Although it was originally due to end on Friday, the inquiry is now expected to continue for several further months, with new dates scheduled for hearings, perhaps in April or May.