Moved by their plight, they mobilised an army of volunteers. And tears of joy flowed yesterday as the results of their incredible DIY SOS-style makeover of a special school were unveiled.

It's somehow appropriate that with so many hi-tec blockbusters around for Christmas, this almost throw-back film should also be on offer.

Ronald Reagan’s administration was growing concerned about congressional criticism of the sluggish US response to terrorism in 1985, according to a memo among thousands of presidential papers just released.