FORMER Coronation Street star Julia Haworth gave aspiring actors at Bolton College her tips for success.

The actress, who played Claire Peacock in the TV soap, dropped in to the college to hold a masterclass with Performing Arts students.

About 50 students were able to quiz Julia about her career and pick up hints on how to make it in the industry.

Russell Lane, head of Performing Arts, said: “The courses we offer here are vocation-based, so it’s essential that students have access to real people who have forged successful careers.

“We were thrilled when Julia accepted our invitation to come and share her expertise. Coronation Street is an iconic soap and many of our students would love to land a job on it.

“During the visit, everyone had the chance to chat to Julia and get some helpful advice on how to succeed in such a competitive world.”

Julia, who appeared in Coronation Street until 2011, said: “I was only too happy to come along and speak to the students. They had some great questions and I hope I gave them some helpful advice. It’s important that aspiring actors and actresses know how tough the industry can be and how vital it is to work hard. I wish them the best of luck.”

It is hoped that visits from well-known faces of stage and screen will become a regular feature in the Performing Arts department’s diary.

Mr Lane added: “We kept the visit a surprise until quite near the date. Everyone was really looking forward to it. We know how invaluable these visits are, so we intend to give our students as many opportunities as possible.”