Wannabe pop stars took to the stage and sang their hearts out in Corsham School's first Pop Idol contest.

More than 50 children took part in the initial auditions, hoping for a spot in the limelight and a talented final 14 were picked out to perform on stage.

The finals on Thursday in S block hall drew a crowd of 300 people twice as many as organiser Laura Hummersone had expected.

"It was a very good show," she said. "We were not expecting the numbers that turned up to watch.

"We had to put out more and more chairs and started recycling the tickets."

The project was the brainchild of music teacher Miss Hummersone, who joined the school at the beginning of the year.

Together with new head of music David Day, she planned the Pop Idol-style contest.

Students from years 7 to 12 took part in the contest with a wide range of pop, rock and country songs.

Miss Hummersone and fellow teacher Charlie Thomas presided at the auditions and drew up their shortlist.

"We didn't necessarily choose all the best singers we wanted to make sure the finalists were likely to be confident performers too," she said.

The finals were a lively affair and the audience voted for the winner so the performers did not have to face any cruel scrutiny from a Simon Cowell-style critic.

First prize was awarded to Hannah Haughton from Year 9, who won a landslide victory for her rendition of Say My Name by Destiny's Child. Jess Williams from Year 8 took second prize and Sophie Watson from Year 9 came third.

Other performers tackled numbers by Leanne Rimes and Busted.

"It was a very good show," said Miss Hummersone. "Everyone was in very good spirits after the final though we did have some tears from people who didn't reach the shortlist."

"All 14 finalists were fantastic and a cd will be available of the night in a couple of weeks time."

The success of the event has prompted the 1,200-pupil school to consider repeating the contest at a future date.

"We wanted to get all the kids involved and there is some really good music in the school,"added Miss Hummersone.

Next time the music department may put on a Stars In Their Eyes type show and possibly the staff will be invited to take part too. Miss Hummersone expressed her thanks to the drama department which helped set up the staging for the event.