Actress Pauline Quirke is about to open a branch of her performing arts academy in Bradley Stoke.

The star is best known for playing Sharon in the TV hit show Birds of a Feather.

It will be the second Pauline Quirke Academy (PQA) in Bristol after the first opened at Red Maids' School in Westbury-on-Trym last year.

The success of the weekend drama sessions for youngsters has led to the decision to start up another PQA, to be based at Bradley Stoke Community School.

The school has performing arts status and the academy will open next month, with classes led by drama teacher Trish Verey and her husband, Dave. Specialist tutors will also be brought in for various master classes.

Trish already runs the Red Maids' sessions and she will be joined by Pauline when the new venue is opened on April 25.

The actress said she was pleased her first Bristol academy had proved so popular.

She said: "I am so happy that so many kids are now getting involved with PQA in Bristol. Trish is one of our best teachers and I am delighted she can now run not one but two academies."

Pauline has strong links with Bristol. Her daughter, Emily, graduated from Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and her son, Charlie, did a children's course at the theatre school a few years ago.

All three have also worked on Casualty and consider Bristol their second home.

Trish said: "The PQA approach to drama schools is a back-to-basics method that concentrates on having fun with acting, which builds confidence and communication skills.

The launch of the Bradley Stoke academy runs from 9.45am at the site in Fiddlers Wood Lane.