SCHOOLCHILDREN were sent into a frenzy as they lined up to take selfies with singer Conor Maynard.

The pop idol visited Patcham High School in Brighton to launch a Children in Need project and was surrounded by fans when they had a chance to take photographs with him.

The 23-year-old happily took pictures with the pupils, who were excited to see the YouTube star turned singer. Conor, who is from Brighton, had a UK number one album and spawned hits like ‘Can’t Say No’, ‘Turn Around’ and ‘Are You Crazy’.

Nine girls and five boys were selected out of a hat to meet the star in the school’s music room. Paris Gunn, 16, performed a cover of Calum Scott’s Dancing On My Own for the former Cardinal Newman Catholic School pupil . Conor, who was bobbing his head and patting his foot throughout the performance praised her saying “Very good you have a lovely voice.”

A thrilled Paris, who performs with Conor’s sister at Brighton Theatre Group, said after her performance: “I was a bit nervous because it’s such a big deal, but it was really fun.”

The music star was helping to promote the Big Spotacular, Lloyds Bank and BBC Children in Need's new school fundraising campaign.

He sat down with children to answer their questions, ranging from his favourite music cover to what car he has. Conor also had advice on ways the pupils could fundraise for Children in Need.

Conor said: “It’s been such a fun day, I’ve loved chatting with everyone about their spotty ideas to help raise money for BBC Children in Need. I hope everyone across the UK gets involved and does what they can to help fundraise for the good cause!”

The ‘Big Spotacular’ initiative will encourage schools across the UK to raise money for disadvantaged children and young people. Patcham High School is one of thousands of schools across the UK that are going spotty for BBC Children in Need in the weeks leading up to the Appeal Night, with children and teachers dressing in spots, selling spotty cakes and goods, and taking part in spotty themed challenges to raise money.

John McKee, Headteacher of Patcham High School added : “It has been wonderful to have Conor help to plan our Big Spotacular fundraising activity today. We are very excited about developing our spotty fundraising ideas for The Big Spotacular from Lloyds Bank and hope to raise lots of money for BBC Children in Need.”

CONOR ON CARS, COVERS AND COMING HOME

Was music always your first love?

Acting was what I wanted to do. But I started posting singing videos on YouTube and it kind of took off. The biggest shock was I was white – everyone thought I was black, because I had that very RnB influence in my music. A lot of people were surprised at that.

What car do you drive?

I have a Mercedes. You thought I had a Bentley – that would be fun.

You now live in London but what do you get up to when you return to Brighton?

Actually I have to drop off a phone through a letterbox for my brother. Normally I come down and see my family and all my hometown friends I’m still in contact with every day. I just chill when I come down here.

What is your favourite cover?

I did a cover of Adele’s Hello and that was quite cool because I had not done a cover in years when I posted it. And it went absolutely insane and got 30 million views on YouTube.

Why did you release an album of covers?

I was posting covers online while I was finishing off the album. I was giving the fans something to listen to, while I was doing that it took off so much – I was like why not compile them all together and release them as an album?