A DANCE and drama school where a singing teacher inspired pupils by reaching the final 20 of a national television talent search is to expand in Kidderminster.

Gary Priestley delighted students at Kidderminster Stagecoach when he reached the "boot camp" round of television show, X Factor, after judge Sharon Osbourne threw a glass of water over her outspoken counterpart, Simon Cowell, to help him through.

The school 36-year-old Mr Priestley teaches at, run by his wife, Zoe, has proved so popular since it opened in 2003 that it now has a waiting list of budding performers and is to start extra classes to accommodate them. Forty-five six to 16-year-olds currently attend Saturday morning classes, which are held at Marlpool First School, and afternoon classes are starting in April.

"I just think it's great because we're going to be able to offer the opportunity to more children rather than just the ones we've got, who have come on such a lot in the last year and a half," 29-year-old Mrs Priestley said.

She added an open day was being held on Saturday, March 5, which would enable children to go along for an hour and a half and experience the tuition but places were limited, so anyone interested in sending their children along must register first by calling her on 01902 757347.

She added of her husband's X Factor experience: "All the children were very excited that Gary was on the television - it was mayhem."