A teacher convicted of possessing indecent images of boys today insisted he is not a threat to the children he tutors.

Keith Hudson, who runs private tuition company Sussex Learning Centre, denied he was a paedophile and said his name should never have been added to List 99.

His name emerged as Education Secretary Ruth Kelly faced a backlash over how teachers whose names appeared on List 99 had been cleared to work in specific schools where they were not thought to pose a risk.

The list, drawn up by the Department for Education and Skills, contains the names, dates of birth and teacher reference numbers of people whose employment has been barred or restricted, either on grounds of misconduct or for medical reasons.

Science teacher Mr Hudson, 52, told The Argus he should be allowed back in the classroom.

When asked if he believed children were safe in his care he said: "That is correct."

Mr Hudson was put on the Sex Offenders' Register for four years after he was found guilty of moving and concealing indecent material following an operation by Dover customs officers in 1998.

He was permitted to teach girls by Estelle Morris, then Education Secretary, in 2001.

The Care Standards Tribunal backed Ms Morris's decision after hearing medical evidence that while his feelings towards young boys were "inappropriate", he had "no interest in girls".

There is nothing to stop him giving private lessons to youngsters at his home in Crowborough.

Mr Hudson's name was put on East Sussex County Council's internal restricted list and headteachers wrote to parents when he circulated leaflets advertising his business.

His name will remain on List 99 for the rest of his life.

Mr Hudson said: "The Secretary of State's specialist medical adviser recommended I be allowed to continue with my tutoring business.

"Presumably that means boys as well.

"If one is allowed to carry on tutoring on a one-to-one basis then teaching in a school cannot be a problem because you have got lots more people around.

"Lots of parents have said they are appalled this is being dragged through the media again. I am sure I will weather the storm."

Parents have said they will stand by Mr Hudson.

He coached Erica Gordon-Brown's 14-year-old son, Alexander, and daughter, Jasmine, 11, for five years.

Mrs Gordon-Brown of Farlington Road, Haywards Heath, said Mr Hudson was a naturist and the indecent images he was caught with related to the past-time.

She said: "I think he will be a bit upset about this but he is not a hysterical person, he is very calm.

"He did not realise the laws were changing and he could not bring these things into the country.

"I had known him for about two years when we found out there was this problem. I went to see him and talked about it and I trusted my instincts.

"My children spent years with him and nothing happened. He has been totally fine and I'm quite happy.

"You could sit outside and he would have the door open while he was teaching.

"If my younger son wanted lessons I would call him. I would trust him completely."