STAR-STRUCK teenagers could soon be queuing up for a place at a secondary school that is rapidly gaining a reputation for producing top talent.

Not only has St George's RC High School in Little Hulton produced Top 10 Pop Idol Sarah Whatmore and Mark Barry from boy band BB Mak, but now another of its former pupils, Lynsey Brown, is a favourite to be a winner in Popstars -- The Rivals.

"It is becoming a bit like the St George's production line," said proud Upper School head Peter Fisher.

Lynsey is among 10 female singers battling it out for a place among the five who will form a new girl band.

Every fortnight, one of the budding female pop stars is voted out of the reckoning by viewers watching the Saturday night ITV1 show Popstars -- The Rivals.

Lynsey's mum, Kay, aged 44, said: "I'm so proud of her. She's never had any formal training but all she's ever wanted to do is sing, dance and entertain." Lynsey lives in a terraced house with her mum, 16-year-old sister Amy and brother Carl, aged 13.

She attended St George's before going to Pendleton College and is the latest star to emerge from the school's music department.

Pupils and staff at the school are following her progress in the show as well as the careers of former pupils Sarah and Mark.

Mr Fisher said all three were encouraged in their love of music at the school. "They were all outstanding. They took part in the annual carol concerts and all three had solo spots," he said.

"Sarah especially had a great determination to succeed."

Lynsey, aged 20, works as a part-time sales assistant at Boots and was on the verge of taking a place at Salford University until she made it on to the Popstars TV show.

Sister Amy said: "She's loving the series. She phones us every day to let us know how she's getting on." The blonde wannabe from Little Hulton was pushed into trying for the show by boyfriend Anthony Grundy, aged 19.

Amy said: "Everyone said she was a good singer but she didn't know whether to audition or not. My mum saw an advert for it and Anthony basically dragged her there."

A rival boy band is also being created, with one of the final ten being voted off on alternate weekends to the girls.

The final 20 are living in two luxury mansions under the watchful eye of the TV cameras.