A COLWYN Bay school has become the new home of a performing arts academy.

Rydal Penrhos has become the base for the Pauline Quirke performing arts academy, which was previously based in Llandudno.

Pupils will learn and develop skills in comedy and drama, musical theatre, in addition to film and television.

The academy’s principal, April Herzog, has been working as an actress since graduating from the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts.

Mrs Herzog said: “Having worked professionally in the performing arts industry I know all too well the pressures society can put on us all, particularly on young people, to conform to an ideal.

“Yet in my experience it has always been my uniqueness and my individuality that has landed me a role.

“We hope to nurture every one of our pupils' individuality, so that every young person is empowered to embrace their uniqueness.”