PUPILS made a song and dance of it in a musical masterclass led by a Canvey-born star of South African musical theatre.

More than 50 Castle View School pupils spent a day working on songs and dance routines from the hit musical Hairspray with ex-pupil Gemma Donnelly, 26.

The actress moved to South Africa four and a half years ago after falling in love with a South African teacher.

Since she moved, she has been working non-stop, appearing in hit musicals including Hairspray, My Fair Lady and the Rocky Horror Show.

Gemma is back visiting her family but found time to spend a day at her old school coaching GCSE students and the cast of its summer show, Sweeney Todd.

Headteacher Russell Sullivan said: "They loved every minute of it and are already looking forward to her next visit."