YOUNG pop fans from Bedford High School came face-to-face with their idols when a star-studded line-up came to visit.

The award-winning school welcomed former X Factor contestants Brick City, for a night of pop, dance and R&B.

The group, who narrowly missed the TV live shows but famously sang for Gary Barlow on a New York rooftop, spent the afternoon with Bedford students giving them a lesson in how to follow their dreams.

Band member James Bellamy said: “We want to arm them with the knowledge they need to make the right choices in life – to keep on with their education and work hard to realise their dreams.

“As a band, we have only got where we are through dedication and perseverance and we want to share our journey with the young people.”

Students at the specialist business and enterprise college helped out with the stage, lighting and sound as well as greeting the 150 concert goers, while members of Bedford’s media team also interviewed members of Brick City and up-and-coming Liverpool quartet The Ambition for Bedford Radio.

Bedford student Lewis Orange, 12, spent the evening helping out in the school’s special radio room.

He said: “I really want to go into radio when I am older so this is really good experience for me.

Other artists who played were duo De’Vide, who appeared on TV talent show The Voice, rapper Peltsman and punk-rap-rockers Loudkidz.

Head teacher Helen Phillips said: “This will give our young people a real edge when it comes to making the most of the opportunities available to them.

“It is great to see that bands like Brick City are promoting a positive message about staying in school and working hard.”

Proceeds from the gig went to charity Aquabox, which provides people living in disaster-struck areas around the world with humanitarian aid, including lifesaving water filters.