Students from actress Pauline Quirke's Windsor based Academy of Performing Arts got a surprise when the star of Birds of a Feather paid them a personal visit.

Pauline's academies are based on sites across the country and the Windsor branch operates on Saturdays from St Edward's Royal Free Middle School in Parsonage Lane, under the charge of principal Sarah Riches.

But students and their parents recently found themselves recently being welcomed personally at the sign-in desk by the television star and her producer husband Steve Sheen. The pair then spent time observing classes and chatting to the students.

Pauline Quirke said: "It was a real delight to be able to meet students, staff and parents of PQA Windsor at both their morning and afternoon Academies. We were given such a warm welcome, and very much enjoyed chatting to everyone.

"We were even treated to a rap about PQA, written and performed by one of the students. Watching the students in their classes was also a highlight of the day - I was impressed by their talent, enthusiasm and professional attitude. Principal Sarah Riches is doing a marvellous job leading PQA Windsor, and making the most of the facilities at St Edward's Royal Free Middle School. I can't wait to see what her students do next."

Sarah Riches, Principal of PQA Windsor, said: “The parents had such a shock when Pauline opened the Academy doors to them, and they really enjoyed having a chat with her. The students loved meeting Pauline and asking her lots of questions about her experience in the industry.”