SHE was told she was being promoted – but hours later she was suspended.

Teacher Leonora Rustamova, who wrote a racy novel about her students, was notified of promotion only the day before she was informed by letter she was being suspended for penning the controversial book.

An employment tribunal heard that Mrs Rustamova, of Salendine Nook, was “utterly astonished” at receiving the letter informing her she had been suspended from her job at Calder High School near Hebden Bridge.

She told the tribunal in Leeds she was in “deep shock” for a couple of days and unable to think rationally.

Mrs Rustamova, 40, known as Miss Rusty to her pupils, was eventually sacked after the furore over her book which detailed teenage fantasies, violence and a criminal drug den.

Her sacking from the school prompted demonstrations by pupils and a campaign by parents to have her reinstated.

The book, which is peppered with expletives, names several teachers and features five Year 11 pupils – all real students and referred to as Miss Rusty’s favourites.

One pupil is referred to as fantasising and flirting with Mrs Rustamova.

The story – Stop! Don’t Read This! – originally appeared on a self-publishing website before it was removed. Mrs Rustamova taught for more than 11 years before she lost her job in May 2009.

Giving evidence, she revealed she was sent a letter by the school informing her that she had been promoted to the role of social cohesion co-ordinator. A day later she received a letter telling her she had been suspended.

She told the hearing: “I was in deep shock for a couple of days. I was utterly astonished. I was not particularly rational for a couple of days.”