The Star Struck Theatre Academy, which is now full to capacity, celebrates its first birthday on Friday (July 18).

School secretary Sarah Spencer, said: "We are delighted to be nearing our first birthday and with the achievements our students have made in our whirlwind first year."

Star Struck, which has 50 pupils, was founded by Driffield-born Jamie Stewart, the school's acting coach, and choreographer and musical director Jez Francis.

Its first show in Driffield was the popular pantomime Cinderella which sold more than 1,000 tickets.

Sarah said: "This was extremely hard work for the children but was also great fun and very exciting for them to be part of such a magical tradition."

The show was such a success that the school plans to stage an annual pantomime, Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs being the 2009 production. Pupils are currently working on Movie Hall The Musical, which has been written especially for Star Struck.

Pupils' efforts on their Songs That Won The War show earlier this year earned them a slot performing in London's West End.

Sarah said: "The show brought a tear to many eyes, and showed the dedication of the children to learn songs and about events that were before their time."

During the year Star Struck has grown to include Starlites Sunday morning classes for under eights and adults' Wednesday evening singing for fun classes.

The adults will be performing their first show from 8pm on Friday July 18 at Driffield Community Centre. Tickets are £3. Star Struck Theatre Academy pupils will be performing at Driffield Festival on July 19.