Teacher handcuffed as St Mary's enjoys Community Day

And why were pupils of four mainstream schools at St Mary's, Wrestwood '“ including those junior news-hounds who write the King Offa School newspaper?

The answer to all these questions is that pupils at the special needs school in Wrestwood Road were enjoying a "community day."

They were welcoming a range of interesting visitors, taking part in a range of fascinating activities and learning about the world about them.

Teacher Janet Howell sportingly allowed herself to be handcuffed as a "naughty girl" - to the great delight of St Mary's pupils who were learning about the work of the police and of police community support officers.

Rotarian Ray Dixon, a Bexhill Sailing Club member who has helped St Mary's students restore a sailing boat, was not only demonstrating knot-tying but explaining the useful specialist applications of the various knots.

Jean Burke from East Sussex library service was bringing story-telling alive for other pupils by leading them in making their own story theatres.

A vast array of brightly-coloured blooms surrounded Karen from Carrolls' fruiterers as she engrossed another group in the art of floral arrangement.

Pupils from Catsfield, Herstmonceux and Little Common primary schools had joined the King Offa contingent in sharing in the learning process as they discovered what makes this special needs school so very special.

As the words of the songs from High School Musical appeared on-screen, another group of St Mary's pupils were singing along to the music and acting out the action in sign language.

Dan from Stagecoach was explaining how the country's biggest bus operator works.

There was paper hat-making with visitors Radiator Art, activities with Connexions and two huge inflatable balls to roll about the sensory gym.

So much to do and enjoy.