MORE than 250 performing arts students played to sell-out crowds for two nights running.

The students, from Stockton Riverside College, have played to 350-strong audiences at the Arc theatre, in the town.

Their show, called Stars, was about the desire to perform, fame and self expression.

The performance, in which some students demonstrated their new skills live and others via video, closed last night.

It was presented shortly before the Gordon Steel play, Dead Fish, which has also been selling out. Many people attended both shows.

The students, some who have special needs, attend performance art courses at the college. The idea behind the show was for them to express the skills they have learnt on the stage.

Mike McGrother, education director at the Arc, said: "Many of these students have found that the Performing Arts course has given them much more than they expected.

"Confidence, self-worth and a belief in themselves are just some of the feelings students have reported."