A former singer has teamed up with actress Greta Scacchi to help disabled youngsters fulfil their dreams of becoming stage stars.

Mel Upton, 38, gave up her own singing and film producing career to set up theatre group Shine.

She convinced Greta, who starred with Harrison Ford in Presumed Innocent, to become patron and lead workshop sessions with the children.

It took Mel six years to build up Shine, which caters for able-bodied youngsters and those with special needs.

Some students cannot walk, some cannot see and some cannot eat without help. One has to take in fluids through her stomach. Mel is determined to encourage them all to perform.

She said: "Special needs children are never included with able-bodied kids. They are pushed away.

"It's so much easier to keep them locked away and to separate them in school.

"One girl can't see, she can't walk properly and a nurse has to help her drink through her stomach.

"We are having a special cart built for her so she can take part. We all work together and everyone has a place.

"Greta has come in and done workshops with the children to teach them some trade skills.

"She has been great and really supports the work we do."

The first performance was staged in Mel's living room at her cottage in Hurstpierpoint but the 150-strong group now fills seats at the Gardner Arts Centre in Falmer, Brighton.

A drama teacher, speech therapist and dance teacher are all on hand to pass on their expertise.

Mel said: "A lot of people when they work with kids say, 'It's only kids so it doesn't matter,' but that's not what I'm about. You can still get excellent standards.

"I'm passionate about what I do and children gain huge confidence from it."

Although some able-bodied children are shocked when they join the group, they soon get used to working with youngsters with special needs.

Mel said: "I believe in inclusive teaching and children don't generally get that kind of education.

"New ones come in and aren't sure about it but then they see the other kids getting on with it.

"It teaches them not to stare. They learn there are children that have a really difficult time.

"I think children need to be educated so they understand that they are really lucky and this helps them to learn about other people's lives.

"No one thinks it's a problem now if someone starts shouting or if they fall over."

Mel said it could be hard balancing theatre work with bringing up her children Milly, 12, Jasmine, ten, and Gus, six.

Her husband Jeremy, 44, plays bass guitar in the theatre group's band.

She said: "When you've finally got there and everyone is performing together on stage it is just so worth it."

Shine perform Streetwize at the Gardner Arts Centre from Thursday, April 1, to Saturday, April 3. For tickets call 01273 685861.

To find out more about Shine visit www.shinetheatregroup.co.uk