Work to help disruptive pupils return to school has been given a helping hand with the rebuilding of a centre for emotionally-disturbed children.

Nick Butterworth with, from top, pupils Kerry, Annie and Ashley

For 54 years, the Mulberry Bush School, in Standlake, near Witney, has helped pupils excluded from mainstream schools.

Now its success rate is set to improve further after a £700,000 facelift. The project, funded by the Government and several charities, has seen the construction of new classrooms, a library and offices.

The new-look school was officially opened by children's author Nick Butterworth -- the creator of the character Percy the Park Keeper.

The school has 36 pupils, aged between five and 12, from all over the country. Many suffer from problems caused by violence, bereavement and emotional or physical abuse.

Pupils spend up to four years at the school, before returning to mainstream schools in their home area.

Spokesman Jane Smiley said: "It is a tiny school, but it is very special, and is unique in this country.

"The children come here emotionally disturbed and disruptive, but, most of the time, the school works."