CHILDREN got a surprise when they discovered that their school had apparently been invaded by aliens this morning.

The stunt was organised by staff at Parkside Primary School in Wellington Avenue, Chingford, who dressed up in a variety of wacky costumes and even decorated classrooms to look like spaceships.

The event - which was kept secret from pupils until today - was part of efforts to encourage the children to do more of their own creative writing.

Office manager Tina Warner explained: "The aliens are allergic to writing, so they disappear into their special spaceship if enough of it is done.

"The children weren't told about it in advance, so it's a complete fun surprise for them".