Actress Julie Walters opened Bell Lane School's new nursery with a political dig on Friday.

She said: "It's great to open a nursery -- nursery education for all."

The day was a double celebration for the Hendon school as Julie's brother Tom is celebrating 25 years as a teacher there.

Her famous sense of humour was evident as she unveiled a plaque. "I'm very interested to come to a school that has put up with my brother for 25 years," she said.

Of her childhood with Tom, she said: "He's always been very nice to me. He introduced me to reading. What else? I couldn't say -- he'd be arrested!" Tom added: "She had a remarkable gift for mimicry. I'd be wandering around the kitchen and she'd be following me doing the same thing." Julie is also trained in teaching. "It's similar to acting; you have to perform and convince people you're telling the truth."

She is currently writing a novel. "It's character-led, set in New York. I'm really enjoying writing it, although I'll probably have to give the money back.

"And I'm starting work in June on a sitcom series with Victoria Wood. But this one will be funny for a change!"

Tom's students were keen to ask her questions. "What's it like, acting?" asked one. Julie replied: "Sometimes nice, sometimes not. I'm doing the job I enjoy so I'm lucky."

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