Students in Liskeard arrived to their drama class to find that a BAFTA award winning actress was their teacher for the day.

Jessica Hynes, star of W1A, Spaced and Years and Years spent a whole day working with GCSE and A Level students on some hands-on techniques.

Clearly having a lot of fun with the groups, Jessica said she was ‘enjoying the day so much, she wished she could come back tomorrow’.

As the patron of National Drama, the 46 year old writer and actress is heading up a campaign to ensure that schools keep drama as a valued part of their curriculum.

Headteacher, Alex Lingard, said: ‘A massive thank you to Jessica for giving up her time and travelling all the way from Kent to be with us.

‘When she arrived she said to me that it’s not about finding the next Orlando Bloom, but about ensuring students have the ability and confidence to express themselves and communicate effectively. I couldn’t agree more.

‘In times where some schools are cutting creative arts from the curriculum, we are embracing them because of what they have to offer to our young people.’

At the end of her visit Jessica was asked what she thought about the day. She said: ‘I was so impressed with how expressive, articulate and perceptive your students were. I wish I could come back tomorrow!’

There’ll be more pictures from Jessica’s visit to Liskeard in The Cornish Times on Friday - and a short film of the day’s activities is due to be shown on BBC Spotlight on Wednesday.