Famously a training ground for stars, Butlins has now teamed up with a university to offer its Redcoats a degree in musical threatre.

Redcoats in the Sussex coastal resort of Bognor Regis will be able to train for a two-year foundation degree run at the University of Chichester, also in the town.

Students will be able to follow the course with a third-year programme to gain a BA (Hons) in music.

The holiday camp joins a growing list of employers who are offering practical-based degree to their employees.

A Butlins spokeswoman told the BBC: "If we can develop some stars for the future through this programme then that can only be a good thing. Redcoats are renowned for going through tough training and by joining forces with the university we are showing our commitment to providing top quality entertainment."

Stars who started their careers Redcoats include Darren Day, former Steps singer Ian "H" Watkins, Jimmy Tarbuck and Des O'Connor.