Almost a year ago, pupils at St Bede C. of E. Primary School, Winchester, had to pack up their things in the middle of lessons and leave in rather a hurry.

They were being evacuated because of flooding--and it wasn't something they were likely to forget.

On that fateful December day, they had to flee their classrooms with the rising river water lapping at the doorstep.

Their memories, in the form of writings and drawings, are featured in a book that records an eventful chapter in the school's history.

The Great Flood was compiled by parents, Katharine Honeybul and Andy Key, with professional graphic artist, Claire Moore, taking care of the layout with some of the material coming from the archives of the Hampshire Chronicle.

Katharine said: "The flood and the move to its temporary home in Bereweeke Road were significant events in the lives of the children.

"The parent-teacher association thought it would be nice for them to have a permanent record."

Launched outside the now considerably dryer Gordon Road site, the book will be on sale at the school's Christmas fair taking place tomorrow (Saturday) at the United Church in Jewry Street from 12.30pm.

Head teacher, Judy Hamilton, said: "The book is a superb historical account. I'm looking forward to the time when that is just what it is--history."

The pupils who have contributed to the book were represented at the launch by Emma Payne (10) and six-year-olds, William Kilroy and Alys Key.

While Emma will have moved on to another school by then, her friends said they were really looking forward to the school's return to the site in 2003.