Charlie Opens College

The kind-hearted cockney cabbie was on hand to cut the ribbon to the new study centre to rapturous applause from students, teachers, governors and other guests.

Actor Derek Martin, as he is known in real life, said: "I feel very honoured to be here, you are very lucky to have this.

"When I was at school, I would love to have had a media studies wing. All I got was two A-levels, one for mugging and the other for burglary, how else do you think I got my job?"

Headteacher Geoff Smith extended his appreciation to the members and officers at West Sussex County Council for their contribution to the building which was completed at the beginning of September.

In particular, he paid tribute to West Sussex cabinet member for education and the arts Sally Greenwell for her hard work and she was presented with a bouquet of flowers.

Littlehampton mayor Mark Butler was among the guests and was clearly impressed with the new facilities.

He said: "Today is a very special day for Littlehampton Community School and for Littlehampton in general.

"It is wonderful to have these facilities in our town and I wish everyone who passes through the college all the very best in their future education."

After the opening, Derek joined fellow guests on a tour of the new building, he stopped regularly to chat with sixth formers and lower school pupils and to sign autographs. His first stop was the impressive IT suite, where students worked on A-level coursework and surfed the net for study material. Derek watched in amazement as student Maria Withers logged onto his website.

Derek s acting career started in 1964 with his first television appearance on Z Cars. Since then, he has appeared in numerous feature films including Ragtime, which also starred James Cagney.