As Del-Boy Trotter, he was one of Britain's most loveable scoundrels.

But acting legend David Jason, 62, this week revealed how that gift of making the nation laugh began more than 50 years ago at Northside School in Albert Street, North Finchley.

"I was little and slight at school so I was bullied," said Mr Jason, who who grew up in nearby Lodge Lane. "Children are bullies and it does not matter what you are if you are thin, fat, rich, poor, black or green, they will find something. In order to survive, to stop being beaten up, I became the school fool. You do not hit the bloke that makes you laugh. I could bring the entire school playground to a halt by mimicking a teacher."

Mr Jason was opening his newly-refurbished old school on Friday.

October 2, 2002 18:00