BUDDING film stars are joining a new group in Tyldesley as they stride out on the road to fame.

Access to the Arts, a professional dance and drama group, has attracted scores of local youngsters after opening at Fred Longworth High School.

The group offers special training to get youngsters into film and television, as well as traditional acting for the stage.

And the group is even setting up a stunt school.

Gabriel Kern, from Access to the Arts, said: "We want to train our students professionally in most fields of the arts not just acting, singing and dancing because most stage actors are out of work 90 percent of the time.

"We also offer training in film courses, directing, production and costume design. It gives them extra skills for the workplace. We offer industry based training."

Set up three years ago in Little Hulton by Mr Kern and Bob Collins but now based in Tyldesley, the school provides training in microphone singing techniques, street theatre, costume and props, make-up skills and speech coaching.

Among the additional courses on offer is even a karaoke school.

Mr Kern, who has vast experience of the industry as a professional actor/director, added: "There is a wealth of talent here in this area but there are kids who cannot afford the high fees to go to drama schools."

The Saturday drama courses are run for youngsters aged 10 to 18 with adult courses on Monday and Wednesday evenings.

There are also one-day courses to boost confidence and improve personal skills based around interview techniques and other work-related situations.

Anyone interested in attending the school can contact Mr Kern or Mr Collins on 0161 790 2727 or 01204 84868.