South East news: Week in review

College makes Chinese compulsory

An independent college announced on Monday it was becoming the first in Britain to make Mandarin Chinese a compulsory subject.

The move at Brighton College, in East Sussex, was said to reflect China's position as the fastest-growing economy in the world.

Mandarin Chinese will join French, Spanish and Latin as a core language for 13 to 18-year-old pupils.

New head teacher Richard Cairns said he would join the first classes in September to learn the subject himself.

Drivers warned after 28 deer hit

Motorists were urged to take more care driving through Ashdown Forest after 28 deer were hit in one week.

The RSPCA said on Tuesday that 18 deer had been killed in just three days by drivers ignoring the 40 mile-per-hour speed limits in the forest on the Kent/Sussex border.

Almost all the deer had to be destroyed because of their injuries.

Steve Dickery said: "These deer are all youngsters and do not have much road sense... drivers must slow down or this awful carnage will continue."

Dakar rider relives medal moment

An antiques shop owner from East Sussex described her joy at becoming the first woman British motorcyclist to finish the gruelling Dakar Rally.

Patsy Quick, 39, who completed the course at her fourth attempt, said: "Crossing that finishing line in Dakar was absolutely fantastic.

"I knew it was going to be it this year but it has taken an awful lot - four years - to achieve my goal."

Ms Quick and co-driver Clive Town, 37, arrived home in Heathfield on Tuesday after finishing the rally on Sunday.

Residents return home after fire

About 400 people moved from their homes because of a severe fire in a garage in Sussex were finally allowed back on Thursday night.

The blaze destroyed the New Malvern Service Station, at Westbourne Street's junction with Montgomery Street, in Hove, after breaking out on Wednesday.

A 50m total exclusion zone was put in place amid fears gas cylinders could explode or the building collapse.

Residents spent the night away from their homes, returning when the cordon was lifted.

Dreamland's future still unclear

The future of the Dreamland amusement park, in Margate, Kent, remained in the balance on Friday after a council meeting.

Thanet District Council was discussing a government inspector's recommendation following a public inquiry that the site should remain as a fun park.

But amendments were made which could allow for different leisure-related developments there in the future.

The Save Dreamland Campaign were "not exactly hanging the bunting out" after the meeting, a spokeswoman said.

Councillor John Kirby, cabinet member for development services, said: "The intention is that it will remain an amusement park but with leisure facilities that will complement those in place now.