Chancellor quizzed by schoolgirls

Alistair Darling talked to students about the economy and language exchanges

The Chancellor of the Exchequer has answered questions from pupils at a West Sussex school during a visit ahead of a world finance ministers' meeting.

Alistair Darling was quizzed about the current economic situation by students at all-girls Millais School in Horsham.

The G20 finance ministers are meeting at South Lodge Hotel, Lower Beeding, at the weekend to discuss plans to tackle the economic crisis.

Mr Darling also put £20 in the school's collecting tin for Comic Relief.

One of the students asked the Chancellor whether the downturn would develop into something comparable to the 1930s Depression, while another asked if the experts who previously presided over the banking system were still in charge.

Millais School students have been working with their international partner schools as part of a British Council and BBC campaign to share ideas for the G20 leaders.

It has partner schools as far afield as Australia, Europe and North America.

Mr Darling also talked to the pupils about recent language exchanges to Spain and Germany and a maths exchange to Hungary.

Tight security was in place at South Lodge Hotel as ministers arrived

Sussex Police have been working with HM Treasury to plan security at South Lodge Hotel, where delegates began arriving on Friday.

Footpaths and a bridleway have been closed in the area but no road closures are planned.

However, motorists have been warned traffic on the A281 between Cowfold and Horsham is likely to be heavier than usual.

"A large numbers of media will be in the area," said Chief Insp Gordon Denslow.

"We would urge motorists to slow down considerably, and expect to find temporary pedestrian crossings near South Lodge Hotel and Leonardslee gardens.

"Our general advice is to slow down and take extra care, particularly on bends.

"It would be advisable to stay away from the area if your journey is non essential."