Ref. 27190-3POP hopefuls from Bradford on Avon were put through their paces this week during a two-day workshop at the Wiltshire Music Centre.

Up to 32 seven to 14 year olds honed their dance steps, practiced their scales and learnt many of the technical skills needed for a career in pop music during the workshops, held at the Trowbridge music centre, on Monday and Tuesday.

Ali Tomkinson, audience development officer at the Wiltshire Music Centre, said: "I kept peeping through the hall doors and it looked just like an episode of Popstars.

"They all spent a lot of time gathered around the piano singing, just like they do on TV."

Leading the workshop was Tracy King, a specialist in street dance, with her husband Tim playing the piano.

Mrs King said she was staggered by the quality of the performances and believes many of the children could hit the big time in the pop industry.

She said: "I met a lot of the parents afterwards and told them there were some voices that really stood out.

"It's a real joy to find such naturally good voices, and perhaps some of them could be encouraged to get into the industry."

Although Mr and Mrs King were in charge the children were allowed to bring their own material and outfits to wear for their final performance.

Mrs King said: "They worked very hard in such a short time, and we studied microphone techniques and many other aspects of performing which I think helped them firm up their ideas.

"Some of them were not really into their dancing, so it was a challenge for some to get to sing and move.

"When I watched the final performance I honestly thought I was watching a TV show."

Performances included hits from Robbie Williams and S Club 7 while one pop hopeful blasted out a version of the Queen classic, We Will Rock You.

Miss Tomkinson said: "An event like this does so much to build up their confidence. Performing songs and dancing in front of an audience can be very nerve-racking.

"By the end many of them looked like professionals."

The workshop was part of a series of events at the Wiltshire Music Centre aimed at developing children's singing and performance skills.

The activities are suitable for children of all ages and abilities, ranging from workshops for toddlers to a drumming workshop for the disabled and people with learning difficulties.