TELEVISION soaps star Jackie Chadwick is giving up her screen image to help local youngsters grab the limelight.

Lowton based Jackie, who millions know from her roles as Tina Dingle in Emmerdale and as Mike Baldwin's wife, Linda, in Coronation Street, is devoting her time to tutoring eight to 15 year-olds at The Jacqueline Chadwick Academy of Performing Arts.

Mother-of-two Jackie and her husband, Leigh-based fireman Simon, run drama, dance and singing classes four nights a week (Mon, Tues, Thurs and Fri, 5.30pm-7.30pm) at Lowton High School and they are set to expand.

Having established the academy three months ago numbers are now up to 200 pupils and Simon is contemplating giving up his 15 year fire service career to concentrate on expanding the academy to Warrington and Liverpool.

"At the moment we run hour long sessions in drama, singing and dance but we aim to introduce more intense tuition with three hour sessions," explained Simon.

Born in Stirling, Scotland Jackie moved to the Midlands and settled in Birmingham before headed north and nowadays Lowton is well and truly the family home.

"Jackie has fallen in love with the place," revealed Simon.

"She has refused TV offers because she wants to concentrate on teaching youngsters. This is her priority now - it's what she wants to do. It has given her a new lease of life and having enjoyed such success is delighted to give something back to the community."

And Jackie isn't only helping young hopefuls on their first steps to the stage, she has decided to donate the fee she will receive for switching on Leigh's Christmas lights next Wednesday (Nov 23) to the Mayor's Charity - Wigan and Leigh Hospice .