A FEW dozen extra votes might be winging their way from East Lancashire for The Voice hopeful Howard Rose this weekend.

Children at St Anne’s Edgeside Primary School were left “mesmerised” by the Manchester-based musician, who is part of Sir Tom Jones’ team on the BBC1 show.

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And after impressing the Waterfoot youngsters with his audition song, The Who’s My Generation, and sharing some backstage gossip on Sir Tom, Will-I-am and Rita Ora, the ranks of his fan club swelled considerably.

Teaching assistant Julie Taylor said: “Some of the children were mesmerised by Howard and they were really into what he was doing.

“We made banners and posters to welcome him and he started off by showing us a YouYube clip of his audition, when he performed before the judges and the moment Sir Tom and Ricky Wilson turned around for him.

“He was such a nice man – he showed us some things on the guitar and how to perform vocal exercises, for warming up, before he held a question and answer session and signed some autographs.

The kids would have asked him questions all day if we’d let them.”

Head teacher Charlotte Hartley had helped to arrange the visit as Fidler Music, the schools company Howard works for, run regular guitar classes at St Anne’s.

“Some of those who had not seen The Voice will probably be tuning in this weekend and will definitely vote for Howard,” added Julie.

St Anne’s Edgeside Primary School has a strong musical programme with Year Four students taking part in brass music lessons, an after-school recorder club and regular performances for parents.

Howard, who is originally from the Midlands but moved up to Manchester with his band three years ago, also runs a ‘school of rock’, featuring youngsters forming their own band, mirroring the Jack Black film.