GROOMED FOR THE TOP: Chelsey Mansell

STAR MAKER: Jean Pasquill

STAR IN MAKING: Sarah Rushton

CLUBLAND singer Jean Pasquill has plans to expand her popular music school -- because the waiting list for wannabe stars has grown out of control.

The 41-year-old teaches pupils at premises in Farnworth and already has more than 200 people on her books.

Yet with 130 others still waiting for the chance of singing lessons, Jean has decided it is time to look at expansion either into a new studio or by taking on extra teaching staff.

She said: "I used to advertise in the Yellow Pages but when it came up for renewal, I decided not to bother.

"It would be pointless. I'm so busy now that I just can't take any more people on."

Jean has been successful in kick-starting the careers of many local singers including Chelsey Mansell, from Horwich, who has recently signed a record deal.

She even gives tuition to Cllr Noel Spencer who is making a name for himself as a Frank Sinatra sound-a-like.

Currently, around 99.9 per cent of youngsters want to become popstars following hit shows such as ITV1's Pop Idol.

And it has meant schools such as Jean's are experiencing a boom.

Her school, Melody Pop Tuition, based on Higher Market Street, Farnworth, has students from as far afield as Barrow-in-Furness.

She said: "I've been a singer for years and I want to teach the right techniques to others.

"I instill discipline and preparation into the students. I never claim to be able to turn people into popstars but with the right tuition, they'll certainly be on a very good footing."

Mum-of-four Jean is a popular singer at venues throughout the North-west. She tours with a Cher-tribute bands called Cher This.

She teaches pupils the correct breathing techniques as well as skills at carrying a microphone, making their presence felt on stage and capturing the attention of an audience. Jean manages many of her students, many of whom regularly travel to London to talk to record labels.

At a recent Stars in Their Eyes concert at Smithills School, one of Jean's pupils, Sarah Rushton, walked off with the first prize for her outstanding impersonation of Celine Dion.

Jean's studio is well equipped, with a full PA system, mini discs, CDs and tapes.

Lessons cost £15 for one hour. "Most of the hard work happens away from the the studio when students do vocal practise using backing tapes at home." she said.

"There are some very dedicated people in Bolton with an exceptional talent for singing."