A STAR of radio soap The Archers is to teach budding adult thespians their craft at a drama school.

The Performance Academy opened last year, giving lessons to young wannabe actors and dancers.

Now adults who never dared take the plunge at school will have their chance to tread the boards at a new series of classes at the school, at Heathlands, Sandy Lane, Accrington.

"We want classes of 10 or more. You can dip in and out and either brush up on skills you already have or learn new ones," said Anne-Marie Francis, who runs the school with Katherine Marriott.

"We want people who knew they were good at drama at school but thought they needed to get a proper job but still wanted to try acting."

The classes will also offer the opportunity to take teaching exams accredited by the London Academy of Dramatic Art, and recognised by local education authorities, that will earn credits towards a teaching certificate,

Anne-Marie, of Manchester Road, Accrington, is no stranger to the limelight, having appeared in the hit film Anita and Me last year.

Husband Mark Finn, who plays gamekeeper Greg Turner in classic radio farming soap The Archers, will be one of the professional actors brought in to run the masterclasses For more information call Anne-Marie on 07816 381270.