X Factor winner Matt Cardle delighted pupils when he paid a surprise visit to his former school to perform and judge a singing competition.
Matt, 28, made an appearance at Stoke College, in Stoke-by-Clare, as part of the school’s art week.
Pupils were screaming as the singer, who topped the charts at Christmas with When We Collide, played two songs. The visit had been organised by teachers in secret.
He said: “It’s brilliant to be back. I love it here and spent some of the best years of my life here.
“It’s a bit weird coming back and being a judge, but the talent the school produces is amazing and the singers today were incredible.”
The former painter and decorator added: “I’ve been trying to make it for 12 years and am just trying to make the best of this opportunity.
“Things have been very busy, but this is where I want to be.”
Matt, who has just got back from a UK tour of the X Factor, then judged a school singing competition.
Mia Watts, 12, who performed in front of Matt, said: “It was very nerve wracking having him judge my singing as he’s such a big star and he really gives everything on stage.
“The whole school is really proud of him and everyone looks up to what he has done.”
Adrian Marple, a music teacher at the school, said: “It is absolutely fantastic to have him back, although slightly surreal.
“It is great for the students to see him as he’s one of our own and he conducts himself so well.”