BUDDING TV producers at Blackburn College put their skills into practice when James Walsh of Starsailor visited their studio for a recording session.

The students operated cameras and production desks under the watchful eye of their tutors, while James sang – exactly as they would in a real television studio.

The Chorley-born frontman had earlier performed a gig at the Live Lounge before visiting the college to record four acoustic numbers.

James Walsh performing at Live Lounge

Previous musicians who have played at the college include Edwyn Collins, The Charlatans, The Shivers and The High Llamas.

James has had 10 top 40 singles in the UK with Starsailor, including Alcoholic, Love is Here and Lullaby.

Since the band’s break-up in 2009, he has had a successful career as a songwriter, working with artists as diverse as Eliza Doolittle, Suzanne Vega and X Factor winner Matt Cardle.

He said he was very impressed with how well the students did during the 20 minute recording session.

“It’s brilliant to work with kids like this,” he said.

“It is a valuable experience and it is part of education to have people who have experience in the area come in and talk about it.

"There’s only so much you can learn from text books and videos."

James, who is currently working on his debut solo album due out in 2012, also praised the students’ organisation and efficiency in the studio.

William Fox, 18, who operated a camera during the session, said: “It is quite exciting having different artists come in every time.

"We have all had a go at different roles and I fancy doing editing.”

Ryan Baron, 17, another student on the media course who has aspirations to become an actor-director, said: “It is flattering that he has taken time out of his busy schedule to help us.

"We will take away these experiences and we use them to help us in later life.”

Jamie Holman, a course leader at the college, said working with a professional musician in a fully functioning HD TV studio was a great experience for the students.

He said: “The Media Centre at the college is unique in the area, with excellent industry links, which means we can provide our students with real, hands-on experience.”