I felt saddened by the lack of public response to the open days at the East Brighton College of Media Arts (The Argus, October 24).

I decided to visit and what a pleasant surprise I had, despite having reservations and preconceived ideas about the college.

My mother and I arrived during break-time and were greeted by polite and enthusiastic children who were welcoming and pleased to see that two more interested people had decided to come to see for themselves just how much the school had improved.

We were surprised and impressed by what we found. Yes, the children were loud and boisterous during their break-time but upon entering the classrooms on our guided tour they were quiet and attentive.

The school is set in pleasant surroundings, the area was clean, tidy and litter-free and it was bright and cheerful - a credit to the hard work of the caretaker and his staff.

Sadly, the children knew the reputation their school had but they no longer have reason to feel bad about a school that is coming good.

Daniel, one the two boys who guided us around their school, wants to be a golfer when he leaves school and Ben, our other guide, wants to be a mechanic.

This wonderful opportunity enabled me to see for myself just how much the school has improved and it is entirely due to the hard work and commitment of all the pupils, teachers and staff.

They should all be proud of their achievements. I hope they will continue to go from strength to strength because they really deserve to.

Thank you to The Argus for bringing their story to my attention - if only other members of the community had responded as I did.

It is a sad reflection on the rest of our community that they did not show the college the support it both deserves and needs. They really missed out on a very enlightening experience.

So I would like to congratulate the principal, Ms Clough, all of her staff and all her pupils for all of their sterling hard work. Well done, all of you.

-Mrs Glenys M Horton, Lewes Crescent, Kemp Town