YOUNGSTERS have turned TV stars after producers of a popular children’s programme chose their school to feature in a special BBC show.

And for many of the students at Mowbray School, in Bedale, they had no idea the film crew were coming after the staff were sworn to secrecy.

Justin Fletcher, also known as Mr Tumble, a presenter of the Something Special show on CBeebies which was created especially for children with special needs, spent the day at the school filming for the episode which will be broadcast next year.

The filming followed a visit to the school last summer by the programme’s casting crew searching for stars for their next series. They not only signed up Mowbray pupils Max Holden, seven, Beatrice Clegg, ten, Laura Parker, seven and Ben Walker, seven, but were so impressed with the school’s facilities and farm they also decided to film an entire episode in and around it.

Headteacher Jonathan Tearle said staff had been sworn to secrecy about the full days filming until the BBC crew arrived. “How we managed to keep it a secret all this time I really don’t know but to say there was great excitement on the day they arrived is an understatement and not just from the children,” he said.

“If anything the staff were even giddier than the children, but it was quite amazing to see our pupil’s walk into school to be greeted by Mr Tumble himself and it was not until I saw the children’s reaction did I realise just how special Justin is in their lives.

“ He had a lovely rapport with them during filming. He kindly came into assembly to say hello and the welcome from the children made everyone laugh and smile. We really thank all the CBeebies crew and especially Justin Fletcher for the joy and excitement they brought to our school that day.”

The school offers education and care for youngsters, aged from three to sixteen, who come from all over the North Yorkshire area and have a range of learning difficulties.

One of their major developments over the past few years has been a school farm which houses, cows, pigs, chickens and donkeys. The CBeebies programme makers have asked staff and children not to reveal the theme of the show until is aired in January.