In an age when children are derided for being more interested in Nintendo than the National Curriculum, pupils at Holy Cross Primary School in Uckfield have proved critics wrong.

Inspired by seven-year-old Rory Abraham, who has Down's syndrome, 28 youngsters decided to learn sign language in after-school lessons so they could communicate with their friend.

Now they hold lengthy conversations with Rory to make sure he doesn't feel alienated.

They are even holding a signed performance of Shine Jesus Shine.

These enthusiastic students are evidence that the youth of today cannot be written off by cynics.

Not all youngsters spend their days vandalising cars and sniffing glue.

Indeed some, like those at Holy Cross School, even enjoy their hours in the classroom.