A NEW theatre school has welcomed more than 70 students in its first half term.

The Inspire Academy of Performing Arts, based at Whessoe Village Hall, on North Road, Darlington, is led by Beth Purvis and Claire Hardy, who teach all aspects of performance from musical theatre, drama and singing to cheerleading and street dance.

Miss Purvis graduated from the Liverpool Theatre School and College before travelling the world as a performer on a cruise ship and working in pantomimes, while Miss Hardy studied at Laine Theatre Arts in Epsom before her own sucessful career on cruise lines around the world.

The school will offer workshops based on successful theatre productions including a Wicked workshop, led by one of the lead performers from the touring production of the musical.

The pair said: "We are a young, current theatre school, and we are excited to bring our professional performing experience, and joy for the performing arts to the younger generation in our home town of Darlington."

For more information call 07476386364 or e-mail inspire-academy@mail.com.

The school also has a Facebook page and a website at http://inspire2014.wix.com/inspire-academy