LESSONS at a York school were interrupted by a familiar face keen to learn more about the work of its dedicated children.

Dr John Sentamu, the Archbishop of York, visited Applefields School after pupils wrote to him about their Fairtrade work.

The leading cleric held an assembly at the Burnholme special school and spoke about the organisation's work to secure a better deal for Third World farmers, and later toured the building and met with the Fairtrade Committee about their plans for 2015.

Dr Sentamu said: "Education must never be reduced to schooling and the sole pursuit of exam results.

"Education at its best is about enabling everyone to flourish as precious children of God."

Applefields is a special school for secondary aged students with a wide of learning difficulties who live in York and the surrounding areas of North Yorkshire and the East Riding.

The Archbishop's visit took place during Fairtrade Fortnight and the visit allowed him learn to more about the school's work.

He later visited all classes accompanied by George Gilmore, the headteacher.

He said: "It is fantastic that the Archbishop is taking the time to visit the staff and the students.

"Our Fairtrade Committee will be showing the Archbishop the work we have been doing on the importance of Fairtrade.

"We are very proud of all of our students at Applefields and the progress they are making."

Fairtrade Fortnight runs until March 8 and aims to raise awareness of products made available by small scale farmers who are marginalised by their livelihoods.

The work of the Fairtrade Foundation demands minimum commitments to pricing to help farmers and organisations.

To find out more visit www.fairtrade.org.uk/fortnight