BRIGHT young stars are shining on stage again thanks to the dedication of the team behind an Inverclyde performing arts school.

Lynette Beaton and Lauren Mortimer, who run Prominence Academy of Performing Arts (PAPA), are back running live face-to-face classes for the first time in more than a year.

The talented duo, along with their team of helpers, were there for their students all the way through lockdown with online sessions.

But as coronavirus restrictions ease, they're thrilled to be able to see their talented young showstoppers back together again.

The academy moved into its new home at George Square studios in Greenock in June.

Lynette said: "It's unbelievable to be back performing live.

"We've been running our online classes all the way through but we've missing seeing everyone face-to-face.

"The kids really wanted to keep it going.

"They were missing each other and we were missing them too."

Lynette says Covid could not have hit at a worse time for the organisation.

She said: "Our last class before the pandemic in 2020 was with 44 kids in St Margaret's Church.

"We were in such a strong position but unfortunately it was all taken away from us overnight.

"We were rehearsing for a play and for our version of Aladdin.

"We tried to get back into it so many times but no matter what corner we turned, there were more restrictions."

The academy's 'Elfcapades' activities at Christmas time created part-time jobs for 12 young people and their Easter bunny visits raised money which will be used to run classes for children with additional support needs.

From their new permanent base in Greenock, Lauren and the team run Boogie Bugs, Petite Papas, Papa Juniors, Papa Seniors and Papa Pro.

They're also holding a summer school - Revive the Live - from July 26-30, and morning classes for tiny performers aged three to five.

Dancers can also sign up for classes with Vikki Warnock.

Lauren started out as a ballet dancer with Lindsay Wood dance school and attended Kayos Youth Theatre where she met Lynette.

She went on to gain a BA Honours in the Performing Arts.

Lynette has a degree from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and taught music at secondary school and music technology for eight years.

She now lectures in music and runs PAPA full time.

The duo have taken on another four members of the team and hope to increase their workforce.

Lynette said: "The community are really supportive of us.

"Inverclyde is such an arty community and we're a big part of that.

"PAPA is a very inclusive environment for everyone.

"It's a place where young people can find ways to express themselves and develop professional skills."