SCHOOL pupils shared their lesson with hundreds of York shoppers today...when schooling took place in the window of one of the city's department stores.

Shoppers passing Brown's Department store were given a shock when they realised the usual displays had been replaced by youngsters from Pocklington Montessori School.

The pupils had been sponsored for Comic Relief to have their every move watched by the shopping population of York.

They spent an hour-and-a-half in the window of the store.

The idea for the fundraising stunt was linked to the school's history. More than a century ago famous educationalist Maria Montessori set up a glass classroom in Italy to show how her pupils were educated.

Spokeswoman for the school, Rosie Pressland, said: "The children have had enormous pleasure out of this unique classroom environment and in doing so, raised an enormous amount of money for Comic Relief."

Updated: 10:38 Friday, March 14, 2003