Chart-toppers Natasha Bedingfield and Darius helped encourage GCSE success in a concert organised by the Grimsby Telegraph.

The pop stars performed at the paper’s Bright Start concert, attended by hundreds of Grimsby-area teenagers who had done well in last summer’s exams.

The free gig was the first of its kind in the country, according to the Department for Education and Skills, and came after the Telegraph was asked by the local education authority for help in its aim to raise local aspirations. Students who had hit personal GCSE targets were invited.

Darius gets roped in!

Editor Michelle Lalor said: "We had a meeting which resulted in many ideas and this throwaway remark about celebrating success in the form of a concert."

The paper produced a GCSE supplement in September, also branded Bright Start, in which, as well as hundreds of results, details of the concert were also revealed.

Michelle said: "We could not have done it without the support of local radio station Viking FM, who booked the performers and brought in event managers Fruition who put it all together on the night."

She also acknowledged the support from venue Grimsby Auditorium, which hosted the all-star bash, and the Government’s Aimhigher initiative which was the main sponsor.

"This concert was to help forget about the young vandals and teenage criminals for a second and remember the fantastic achievements of many thousands of youngsters across northern Lincolnshire," she added.

"It was an amazing night and it was fantastic to see the hundreds of young people celebrating success in a way they will always remember."

Natasha models a t-shirt

For Natasha Bedingfield, fresh from recording the new Band Aid charity single in London, the night was all about the hundreds of people who were jigging away in front of her.

She said: "This is their night. It is their success and that is why I am here."

Darius praised the Bright Start concert as being an excellent way of rewarding young people for their hard work.

He said: "It’s a great initiative - it is brilliant that the Grimsby Telegraph is working closely with Viking FM and it is fantastic that kids are being recognised and encouraged."

Darius wows the kids

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