A STAGE school which aims to bring together able-bodied and disabled children is celebrating after moving into plush new premises.

West End and Casualty star Lee Mead and Mark Francois, Tory MP for Rayleigh and Wickford, joined Penni Bubb, founder of the Mushroom Theatre Company, to cut the ribbon and officially open the new centre in Brook Road, Rayleigh.

The performing arts group, which was set up in 2004, now has its own dedicated rehearsal space and theatre, where youngsters can learn dance and drama.

There is also an on-site coffee shop.

The organisation, which relies heavily on volunteers, is as much about children and teenagers having fun and gaining confidence as it is about finding stars of the future.

Fighting back tears, Mrs Bubb, who first hatched a plan for a dedicated building seven years ago, said: “This has been a long time coming. I couldn’t have done it without the help of my friends who have volunteered so much of their time.”

Mr Francois, who has been a loyal supporter of the group, said: “It’s been a really long journey to get here, and it’s been a journey with a lot of stops and starts, but it’s one of determination. Penni was just not prepared to give up.”

Lee Mead, a former Eastwood School pupil, who shot to fame after winning the BBC talent series, Any Dream Will Do, first met Mrs Bubb when she was choreographing the school production, and is now patron of the Mushroom Theatre Company.

He said: “I’m just a cog in a massive machine. There are a lot of people involved, but this is a huge day for all of us.

“It’s great to have a building like this where the kids can come and learn together. It’s absolutely brilliant.”

For more information, visit mushroomtheatre.co.uk