Young people sung their hearts out and delivered carefully prepared presentations to Chelmsford's Mayor during a special visit to their school.

Councillor Robert Villa, and his wife Valerie were treated to a variety of performances from children of different ages during their tour of the Columbus School and College and admitted that they were delighted their city had such an 'impressive' educational establishment.

The school and college, in Oliver Way, Chelmsford, caters for children and young adults with learning difficulties, helping them to progress in their studies and in some cases return to mainstream school.

On the mayor's arrival last Thursday, the school choir put on an impressive welcome performance of Let It Go from the animation Frozen, with many of the pupils not only singing but signing the words too.

This was followed by another song, We All Go Travelling, performed by Class Three, who showed off their enthusiasm for music with an array of instruments and dance moves.

The school is able to offer specialist learning environments, motor therapy suites and sensory rooms enabling staff to treat each pupil as an individual, caring for their unique needs and nurturing their abilities and the results are obvious.

Every pupil looked settled and happy, whether they were in the middle of a lesson, enjoying music therapy or spending time with their teachers and support staff in the sensory rooms.

Many were unable to contain their excitement at the mayor's visit and rushed to greet him, happily shaking hands with him and his wife and posing for photographs.

Gabriel Ellis, 14, also gave an impressive presentation about his favourite sports, complete with photographs, before even teaching golf basics to councillor Villa, even persuading him to show off his skills with an impromptu putt.

Councillor Villa said: "It's been a wonderful day.

"It's been very eye opening.

"It's such a lovely space and building and the care and patience we have seen from the staff as we are walking round has been very impressive - clearly they all have big hearts and it's a job of love.

"The children are all so happy, it's clear this facility allows them to come along, learn and enjoy themselves."

Principal Ginny Bellard added: "We are very pleased with how today has gone, the Mayor and Mayoress were very keen to learn more about what we do here and to understand in great detail the need and challenges our young people face.

"But most importantly about their abilities and achievements.

"It's been my absolute pleasure to take them round our fantastic school."