MUSIC-MAD youngsters mimicked the stars at an event to spread an anti-drugs message on Saturday.

Popsters, based on the hit TV show Popstars, aimed to give secondary school pupils from Redcar and Cleveland the chance to fine-tune their singing and dancing.

In the first of a two-day course, tutors offered tips on all aspects of being in a band, from confidence-building to choreography and makeovers.

At the end of the day, the bands performed to a panel of judges and were given constructive feedback. For the second part of the scheme, in September, they will be invited to perform live as part of Drugs Awareness Day (Dad).

Popsters coordinator Helen Woodrow, of Skelton Youth Centre, said: "Popsters got young people involved and demonstrated to them that you can still enjoy yourself with a group of friends without having to resort to misusing drugs."

Dad was set up six years ago by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, Cleveland Police and Teesside Health Action Zone as an awareness-raising initiative.