POP star Diana Vickers has returned to the school which inspired her musical career.

The former Westholme pupil, who found fame in The X Factor, was at the Blackburn school as a special guest to officially open its new music centre.

ABOVE: Diana's visit to the school

She also performed for staff, pupils, family and friends and the public after the opening.

The visit was the first time the 21-year-old had returned to the school in an official capacity since leaving four years ago.

Diana, from Huncoat, was invited to take part in a question and answer session with pupils in the morning assembly where she told of being a co-writer on Jennifer Lopez and Enrique Iglesias's duet Mouth 2 Mouth and her first film role in American Indie film, The Perfect Wave.

Diana, who had a number one hit with Once in 2010 and appeared in the starring role of West End production Little Voice, said she was thrilled to be back at Westholme, She said: “I was really excited when I was asked to come back to the school. It is such a privilege to be asked to open the music centre, especially as it is where I spent a lot of my time whilst at school.

“It’s a bit surreal being back here now after four years as an adult and seeing my old teachers. I hope that my visit has inspired some of the pupils to pursue a career in the music industry.”

Diana, who now lives in London, came back to the area for a 24-hour visit, fitting in time to see her family. Her new album is hoped to be released in the summer.

She added: “The album has taken me two years to write as I wanted time to figure out what kind of artist I wanted to be. It’s a bit of a change in direction..”