TEACHERS will soon be abandoning the classroom to become rock stars and strut their stuff on stage.

The seven-piece band from Turton High School Media Arts College has already proved a big hit with pupils who are amused by their teachers' passion for pop.

The Invigilators formed four years ago and play at as many school functions as possible to raise money for the Parents' Association.

They enjoy playing covers of songs from the 60s to the 90s, including classics such as "In The Midnight Hour", "Sweet Home Alabama", "Brown Sugar" and "Stand By Me", as well as more modern tracks like "Black Velvet" by Alannah Miles and "Don't Speak" by No Doubt.

Biology teacher Dave Chivers, who plays guitar, thought of the band's name and brings his colleagues together to rehearse once a week.

The rest of the band is made up of head of chemistry Dave Haworth, who plays drums; chemistry teacher Mark Smith on bass, English teacher Dave Smith on lead guitar, English teachers Caroline Touey and Debbie Sixsmith on lead vocals, and English teacher Alison Watson on backing vocals. Mr Chivers said: "The pupils were quite surprised when they first heard about us. I don't think they imagine that we do anything else apart from come to school and teach. But having heard us, I think they find us quite entertaining."

The Invigilators have played alongside pop teacher rivals from Harper Green School -- Nellie -- at a charity event, and will be performing with pupils on May 24 at the school's T-Mac function room with the Turton School Jazz Band.