GARETH Gates is to open a ‘stammer school’ in Bradford to help youngsters with speech impediments.

The singer and musical theatre star rose awareness of stammering when he auditioned for Pop Idol and struggled to say his name. Now Gareth aims to help children who stammer at a three-day conference at the Life Centre in Bradford. Working with speech therapists, he plans to bring music and performance into the course, and there will be sessions for parents, so they can understand more about the condition.

“As a child I didn’t know anyone else who had a stammer. It felt very lonely,” said Gareth. “I want to break that sense of isolation by telling kids they’re not alone. I’ve been there, and every day I have to do breathing and vocal exercises.”

Gareth used the McGuire Programme to control his stammer, and qualified as a speech coach. He says his venture offers something different. “The aim is for it to be upbeat and fun, helping young people to accept themselves. Instilling confidence in a young age can prevent it turning into a secondary stammer in adulthood,” he said. “There’s no cure for stammering, but with a combination of speech and language therapy, and confidence-building, we can live well with it. This isn’t something I’m just putting my name to - I’ll be there for the full three days, and will be teaching.”

It was while at Dixons City Academy that Gareth, from East Bowling, discovered the power of singing. “I struggled with my speech; singing was my only form of expression. I had great teachers at Dixons, the music department was incredible.”

Gareth shot to fame on Pop Idol, aged 17, and sold more than 3.5 million records. He went on to carve a career in musical theatre, starring in such shows as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Les Miserables. He’s currently touring in Footloose. “On stage I adopt a different persona; I walk and breathe in a different way which helps my speech,” said Gareth. “We’re bringing a performance element into the stammer school, the venue has a great stage and facilities.”

* Visit garethgatesstammerschool.com or email info@garethgatesstammerschool.com