A MUSIC school in Darwen has been recognised for its successes by having the town put into its name after 12 years in business.

What was known as the Elite School of Music, in Blackburn Road, has now been named the Darwen School of Music, after being the leading music tuition organisation in the town for some time.

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The institution became best known for tutoring Accrington youngster Reece Bibby, who finished fifth in last year’s X Factor competition as part of the group Stereo Kicks.

Paul Davies, vocal tutor and co-founder of the school with guitar teacher Mark Bateson, said he has been extremely proud of the way it has grown over the years.

He said: “When we first started out back in 2003, myself and my business partner tutored from our own houses. We did that for nine years before moving on to the main road.

“It’s great how I’ve seen things grow from cramming 20 kids into one room to having lots of different rooms to teach in.

“We really have built it up from nothing to a decent-sized school with plenty of rooms and it’s great to be recognised for that by local councillors, who have suggested for a few years that we get the town in our name.”

As well as seeing Bibby rise to fame, the school released a song called Steady Hands last year, written by Mr Davies, which went to number four in the online iTunes vocal chart.

Mr Bateson said that the success of the institution spoke for itself and having Darwen in the name was something it truly deserved.

He said: “I think it’s not just us saying it, I think we are probably the first place people locally would think to go to if they wanted music tuition. I think it confirms our position in the community.

“It’s not just in Darwen that people think of us either. We are a centre for Trinity College London exams, so people come from all over the place to the school.

“I never would have imagined that it would be so big. It’s so hard to say one thing that I think has stood out over the years but I think it’s just seeing kids realise that they actually have a talent.”

For more, visit www.darwenschoolofmusic.co.uk or call 01254 471215.