Rise in demand allows arts school to move

A CITY arts school run by Robbie Williams' former choreographer is to unveil its new campus this week.

The MGA Academy of Performing Arts, which breathed new life into the old Wheatsheaf pub in Carrick Knowe, was able to move to the site following a sharp rise in demand for its courses - in particular from male teenagers.

The company has already propelled several budding stars to top London colleges and West End stages over the last five years.

Murray Grant, co-principal of the school, said: "We've definitely seen a huge increase in the number of students joining us and a lot of it is due to the recent popularity of TV shows featuring signing and dancing.

" We get guys taking off their rugby caps and football boots and putting on their ballet shoes. It's been a huge boost for the academy and it's allowed us to develop this site."