STUDENTS from Faringdon had a little star power helping their world record attempt for the largest simultaneous performance of one show.

More than 12,500 Stagecoach Performing Arts pupils sang and danced in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast simultaneously on different stages around the country and as far away as Germany, Canada and Malta.

One of the independent adjudicators in Faringdon was none other than Spandau Ballet star, actor and writer Gary Kemp.

He said: “It was wonderful to see a show that included such a wide group of performers. The concert was superbly presented with great emotional commitment, and the focus and professionalism shone throughout. It is so good to have such an amazing platform for young people, in and around Faringdon.

The former casualty star added|: “Bravo to everyone involved.”

The show began at 6pm on July 1, with 200 schools taking part in 144 venues on the 30th anniversary of the founding of the first Stagecoach Performing Arts school.

The company will secure an official Guinness World Record when independent adjudication verifies the attempt in the coming weeks.

If confirmed, it will have broken its own record.

Ten years ago, Stagecoach organised the largest simultaneous performance of one show for its 20th anniversary by putting on 66 performances of Glad Rags across the UK, Ireland and Germany.

James Barker, principal of Stagecoach Faringdon, said: “We are so proud to have participated in this once-in-a-lifetime world record attempt.

“The students worked really hard and their performance was outstanding.

He added:“We were also really proud to have five independent adjudicators attending, including Gary Kemp, who lives locally and is a big supporter of our school. “

Also at the show were Coun Kiera Bentley, Deputy Mayor of Faringdon with TV presenters Shaun Crawley and his wife Hayley Green.

Former Stagecoach students Emma Watson and Nathan Mack starred in a live-action remake of Beauty and the Beast screened last year.