Bradford's next generation of pop idols are set to be groomed at a ground-breaking stage school in the heart of a city estate.

Scores of wannabes from Holme Wood will get tips from leading dance, music and acting professionals at the new stage school which has been set-up by a group of dedicated parents.

It will be the first of its kind in the city, offering free tuition to youngsters unable to afford the cost of a place at an expensive dance or music college.

And organisers hope the new classes, at St Christ-opher's Church, will encourage young people to take an interest in performing arts from an early age.

Today mum-of-two Deborah Fortune, 38, said it was vital that children did not miss out on the chance to take part in music, dance and acting because of the high costs.

She teamed up with five other parents to successfully secure a £9,000 Millennium Award which will help to fund the Wannabe group.

"This is something for the whole community to get involved in," said Mrs Fortune.

"Something like this really can give children confidence and a sense of responsibility, as well as helping them build new friendships.

"It can be very expensive to go to stage school but here we will have proper qualified tutors coming in to the community to offer their expertise."

The organisers have decided to push ahead with the new stage school following a successful pilot project last year which culminated in a performance for the Lord Mayor of Bradford.

But now they are appealing to people with unwanted instruments in a bid to build up the resources of the new centre. The instruments could be donated or loaned to the centre for the sessions.

The Vicar of Tong, the Reverend Gordon Dey, said the new project would open a range of opportunities to young people on the estate.

"We have got together a great team which is going to deliver this," he said. "There is a lack of affordable opportunities for families because it can be a very expensive business getting children dance classes or music lessons."

He hoped the Wannabe group would create a "rich resource" for residents.

"We want to do something here in the community, to find out what the people want and see what we can build," he said.

More than 40 children have already signed up to the new school, which is expected to run sessions on Saturday mornings.

Ten-year-old Juren Harr-ison, a keen keyboard player, said he dreamed of joining a rock band like his idols Linkin Park.

And guitar player John Fortune, who is also ten, wants to become a movie star.

"I thought the course last year was really good and I really enjoyed the acting side. I would love to play James Bond in a film," he said.

Anyone who may be able to donate or lend musical instruments or other equipment to Wannabe should contact Mr Dey on (01274) 682100.