EX-CORONATION Street star Casey-Lee Jolleys has opened her new dance and comedy school.

And guest of honour was Sheila Payant, aged 80 - Casey's first dance teacher who taught her from the age of six.

The Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Walter Hall and his wife, Sheila, opened the academy, which Casey runs with business partner and comedian Bobby Ball, in front of around 200 guests.

Casey, who is known to millions as Fred Elliott's Thai bride Orchid, is also a world championship dancer and will teach others to follow in her footsteps, while Bobby will be teaching the comedy workshops.

The academy will have 12 members of staff who will be teaching a range of styles including ballroom, ballet and tap as well as things like salsa and boxercise.

Casey said: "It was a brilliant night. Even the mayor got up and had a dance. We had around 200 people here including members from the International Dance Teachers Association and my former dance teacher."

She added: "Since we opened we have had in excess of 300 people of all ages ringing up to join the classes."

Theatre companies are also set to make use of the studios and dancers can expect to see some guest appearances from professional dancers and actors in the future who will take workshops.

The Casey-Lee Jolleys Academy of Dance and Drama at Hartford Court, Weston Street, is now open and can be contacted on 01204 398839.