STUDENTS with autism celebrated the end of the academic school year with their traditional summer sharing party.

The summer fair, attended by families and guests, allowed the youngsters at LVS Hassocks to demonstrate their increasing confidence and skills development by performing and managing stalls.

A number of students at the school for 11 to 19 year olds with autism took to the stage.

Theo Franks from Rok Skool provided musical entertainment and demonstrated skills the students have learned throughout the year.

This also gave them the confidence to play in front of an audience.

Finn Doyle said: “It was a fantastic experience.

“I loved taking part.

“Summer sharing is one of my favourite days of the year as I love getting the chance to play the drums at it.”

Other students took charge of stalls, practicing eye contact, talking to people and handling money, whilst others just enjoyed the games.

Burgess Hill District Lions Club presented Amazon gift cards totalling £140 to eight students who had won the Lions’ peace competition.

This involved them creating their own pieces of artwork with a theme of world peace.

Tony Parris, secretary of Burgess Hill Lions, said: “It was another excellent event and it was great to see the joy and excitement on so many young and happy faces, especially the winners of prizes.

“Burgess Hill District Lions have been involved with the school from the start and it is so rewarding to see the excellent way it is moving forward.”

One of the highlights was the opportunity to soak the staff, including Deputy Head Jen Weeks who gained a cooling off from buckets of water and sponges thrown by students.