They will be the new kids from Fame...

From September, the cream of the district's young talent will form the first intake to a new 'Fame Academy' opening in Shipley.

Auditions start next month for the 40 full-time places at the Shipley Dance and Performing Arts Academy.

The new venture aims to find and polish the next generation of showbiz talent.

And like the stars of the cult US series Fame, they can expect to sweat.

Teacher Deana Morgan, of the DM Academy which is a partner in the new venture, warned the new courses were not for those who "decide at the age of 16 they'd like to become a star".

She said places would be awarded to those with prior experience and proven talent.

And they must come expecting to work hard.

"Fame is very hard work, which you know if you have ever watched the movie," she said.

"I grew up with the Kids from Fame. That line about 'here's where you start paying - you pay in sweat' - is quite true.

"It's a tough profession and the course is certainly not going to be easy, but we hope to have lots of fun along the way."

The Academy will offer BTEC 1st and BTEC National qualifications in performing arts.

It is a partnership between Shipley College, the DM Academy and the Wilson Centre. Practical sessions will take place at one of the two dance schools, where studios often stand empty during the day.

"Bradford has a lot of talent just waiting to be discovered and developed," Mrs Morgan said. "All they have needed is a chance to polish up that talent. We will have a really winning combination that can establish Bradford as a source of future stars in show business."

Gordon Wilson of the Wilson Centre, pictured here with Deana, added: "These courses will give a real chance to those youngsters with the drive and potential to really prepare themselves for the performing industry."

Both dance schools have a proud record of finding talent and producing stars.

At the DM Academy, past students have included Emmerdale actress Sally Walsh and her sister Kimberley, member of the girl band Girls Aloud.

The Wilson Centre, which concentrates on ballet and tap, has produced an equally star-studded stable of former pupils including Susan Johnson who went on to the Royal Ballet School, Lee Smikle who is now with Michael Bourne Dance, and Joe Ryan, now appearing in the touring production of Cats which is due next month at the Alhambra.