BUDDING performers in East Lancashire could soon follow in the footsteps of Pop Idol's Will Young and attend the area's first "fame schools" thanks to a £29.4 million Government education grant.

Haslingden High, in Broadway, has received £500,000 to allow it to become a performing arts college as part of the latest round of funding which will benefit 149 schools across the UK in September.

St Michael's CE High in Astley Road, Chorley, will also become a performing arts college after receiving money from the grant .

The scheme, which allows schools to concentrate on specific areas such as performing arts, sport or technology, was introduced after research revealed pupils do better in examinations and standards can be raised through focusing on a particular aspect of education.

The schools now join the list of the country's most famous performing arts schools, including the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, set up by ex-Beatle Sir Paul McCartney and Liverpool City Council in 1996.

Other famous performing arts schools include London's Italia Conti Academy of Theatre and Arts and the Sylvia Young Theatre School, whose former pupils include Denise Van Outen, Samantha Janus, Dani Behr, Baby Spice Emma Bunton, Martine McCutcheon and All Saints stars Melanie Blatt and Natalie and Nicole Appleton.

Pop Idol's Will Young, who goes head to head in Saturday's final against Gareth Gates, was a drama school student near his home in Berkshire before entering TV's most famous search for a star competition.

Haslingden High headteacher Nigel Jepson said he was delighted at the news.

"This honour has not been won easily and represents a lot of hard work on the part of many different people."

Mr Jepson highlighted in particular the hard work of the school's head of expressive arts Gill Rennard and her team, including Jonathan Gleeson, head of music, and Liza Barrett, teacher of dance.

"A huge number of students have also worked tremendously hard both in lesson time and in extra-curricular activities to produce the highest standards of performance in dance, drama and music.

"Parents, too, deserve a large pat on the back for their efforts, not only in supporting activities but for getting behind the school in raising the necessary £50,000 in private sponsorship with the aid of the local business community."

Over the next few years the school plans to spend the money on purpose-built facilities, extra resources and staffing. Mr Jepson added: "Becoming a centre of excellence gives a very positive message about the contributions made by young people and provides Haslingden High School with an ideal platform on which to continue serving the needs of Rossendale."

The cash awarded to St Michael's High School is more than £100,000, with £50,000 to be raised by the school itself.

Additional funding will come over the next four years at a rate of £120 per pupil, per year.

Head teacher Liz Nichols said the school was delighted to receive performing arts status, which would benefit not just the school, but the local community.

"We work closely with local primary schools among other groups, so this cash will be of benefit to everyone."

The announcement by School Standards Minister Stephen Timms brings the total of specialist schools to 834 with at least one in 90 per cent of England's local education authority areas.

Mr Timms said: "Specialist schools are a key part of our mission to raise standards across all secondary schools. By expanding their number, we will offer greater choice and excellence to more pupils and parents than ever.

"The innovation and vigour offered by specialist schools help raise standards for all pupils. Their distinct ethos will also help improve standards of behaviour and give pupils greater confidence."