Linda, star of the hit television series The Royal, gave the workshop as part of the school’s annual Arts Week. It featured young actors and actresses creating a tableau based on Northern artist L.S Lowry's signature style matchstick men paintings.

Linda, who has played Irish nun Sister Bridgid in The Royal since theHeartbeat spin-off began in 2002, has also appeared in Casualty, The Bill and A Touch of Frost.

She said: “Primarily, I hope the students will enjoy the workshop but also hope that they learn a little about dramatic art.”

As a big fan of The Royal, headmaster Ken James was delighted to welcome Linda to the school.

“Having a professional actress working with the pupils for the afternoon is a huge boost,” he said. Linda, who trained at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramtic Art (R.A.D.A), said: “I remember being a student and not having established actors visit us or give workshops like this for us, so I would like to give pupils the opportunity and experience that I didn't have.”