BUDDING stars will be given a lift up the showbiz ladder with the opening of Blackburn's first stage school.

A cast of experienced teachers, with a principal from Rawtenstall, at the new Stagecoach academy will put the six to 16-year-olds through their paces in singing, dancing and drama classes.

They will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of Alex Park, who hit the top of the charts after winning this year's Fame Academy show on BBC 1.

For three hours every Saturday morning at St Mary's College in Shear Brow, Blackburn, the local youngsters will be guided in their first tentative steps to a career in the spotlight. Younger pupils will be taught the basics while older members will be shown how to explore themes used by great writers and composers and encouraged to kindle interests in literature, writing, directing and producing.

Stagecoach, which owns 500 theatre schools across the UK, decided demand for fame-training in Blackburn was so high, thanks to reality TV shows.

Kids with stars in their eyes currently have to travel to stage schools in Preston, Chorley or Manchester to pursue their dreams of becoming famous.

But principal Jayne Bradshaw won't be issuing harsh Simon Cowell-style put-downs to her pupils. She believes learning to perform on stage can help shy kids perform better in life.

She said: "I'm hoping we'll get some pupils who get parts on TV and in theatre through the school, but it's important we don't just focus on that.

"The education helps build the confidence of kids who are shy and are not necessarily looking to have a career in showbusiness."

Mrs Bradshaw, 28, of Haworth Avenue, Rawtenstall, is well qualified for the job having toured the North West with cabaret bands working as a piano teacher for eight years.

The school has had more than 90 inquries about places and will hold an open day at the college on Monday, September 20, at 6pm. Term starts the following Saturday. Each 12-week term costs £280, with a 50 per cent discount for siblings.