Saint Mary's pupils sign their support for Guinness record bid

More importantly, the special needs school members were putting across the song's message in sign language.

Across the country, people in similar establishments were describing large circles with their hands to denote "sun" - and so on.

They were taking part in a carefully timed and choreographed bid on behalf of AFASIC, the UK charity which helps young people with the hidden disability of speech, language and communication impairments.

With the help of establishments like St Mary's School, AFASIC is aiming to break the Guinness World Record for "the most people simultaneously performing sign language to a song at different venues."

Pupils were being encouraged to join in with the attempt to help them better understand what life if like for those who have problems with communication and to help raise awareness of speech, language and communication impairment.

Each contribution to the Guinness Book Of Records bid has to be documented, filmed and witnessed.

The Observer was present on Wednesday to witness St Mary's contribution. The other official witnesses were Ainsley Gill, immediate past president of Bexhill Chamber of Commerce and Tourism; the Vicar of St Michael's, the Rev David King; and the head teacher of Pebsham Community Primary Schoo, Pat Strickson.

Mrs Strickson brought along pupils Amy and Daniel, chairman and deputy chairman respectively of the Pebsham School Council to share in the occasion.

Guinness World Book Of Records events are strictly controlled affairs. A logbook was signed by everyone taking part to verify that there were 105 participants.

As the clock crept closer to 9.30am the youngsters went through a final rehearsal. Cameras were poised.

Then came the count-down.

The youngsters enjoyed signing and singing Sunshine In My Heart so much they did an encore for the cameras.

It is likely to be some time before the outcome of the Guinness record bid is known.