Music students were starstruck when they met real pop heroes.

Pupils of the Brighton Institute of Modern Music (Bimm) were thrilled when they were invited to meet Scissor Sisters, The Young Knives, The Feeling and Jarvis Cocker.

The celebrities took time out of their schedules to answer questions from the students and offer advice on the music business.

The Feeling told the students they began as a covers band then got a record deal and a publishing deal.

Songwriting student Emma Harris met the Sussex pop rockers in the Brighton Dome dressing rooms before their gig.

Emma, 20, of Pevensey Road, Brighton, said: "A lot of students just went along to ask questions and get information but I really like The Feeling. They were really down to earth and so friendly. As I am a songwriter, they told me they don't follow rules for their songwriting. They said if you enjoy it, keep going.

"Apparently people thought they were weird when they started. It was really good to hear because I don't want to follow what everyone else does."

Fellow songwriting student Larissa Eddie met Scissor Sisters, including singer Jake Shears, before they performed at the Brighton Centre last month.

Larissa, 18, from Brighton, said: "It was an honour to meet them and ask questions. They are one of the biggest bands around at the moment.

"Jake was lovely. He said the band were surprising themselves with the success they are achieving.

They told stories before signing autographs and posing for photographs. They said they liked it here in Brighton. For such a big band to come to your home town and talk to you like that was lovely."

Scissor Sisters keyboard player John Garden said: "The questions were very insightful - more interesting than most journalists. It was a pleasure."

Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker and NME favourites The Young Knives also chatted with students.

The Young Knives singer Henry Dartnall said: "We had a great time talking to the students and were intimidated by the wealth of talented."