9:45am Thursday 1st May 2008
By Filip Hnzido
Children from special needs schools across the county faced off against Cybermen and Daleks in Radlett on Wednesday, enlisting the help of Doctor Who assistant Ace, and Charlie and Max from EastEnders.
Actors Jake Wood, Derek Martin and Sophie Aldred visited the Radlett Centre, Aldenham Avenue, to watch musical and theatrical performances by the schools and, in the case of Mrs Aldred, give a performance of their own at the Variety Club event.
Hundreds of children of all ages filled the hall, being entertained by magicians and activities between getting autographs and gracing the stage.
The schools involved were Watling View, Valley School, Colnebrook, Garston Manor, Amwell View, Margorie Kinnon, Woodfield, Lakeside, Breakspear and St Luke's, everyone enjoying the varied, all day event.
Organiser Julie Banes said she was regularly touched by the impact the shows had on children.
She said: "The talent among the children is amazing and the care and devotion of the teachers is wonderful. It's great to see the children being encouraged, applauded and rewarded for their skills."
Jake Wood, who plays Max Branning in EastEnders, said the event was "terrific", adding that it was "wonderful to see all the kids here and help out a fantastic charity".
Co-star Derek Martin who plays Charles Slater in the soap opera said he was impressed at the turnout from all the local schools and said he was delighted to help the charity.
Gillayne Mccarthy from Garston Manor School also described the event as "fantastic" while another teacher from the school, Natalya Wheatley, said the support given by the Variety Club was "greatly appreciated".
Sophie Aldred, who played Ace alongside Sylvester McCoy in Doctor Who, said: "When I heard about the event I knew I had to be here. The work the Variety Club do is amazing and seeing how talented these children are is eye opening and tear jerking.
"It's great to see that they are proud of what they have achieved and they perform with so much heart. The work their teachers do is wonderful."
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