She’s been a Bird of a Feather, but lately actress Pauline Quirke has been spreading her wings with her acting academies.

The 56-year-old, who stars in the hit comedy Birds of a Feather alongside Linda Robson and Lesley Joseph, will open her latest branch of the Pauline Quirke Academy in Dartford this weekend.

Pauline launched her first the academy in Romford in 2007.

She said: “When I was younger some of my happiest times were spent in drama classes.

“Looking back I can see that the skills I learnt and the friends I made were really where it all started for me, so I wanted to re-create that opportunity for a new generation of young people.”

Her academies gives youngsters the chance to hone their performing arts skills.

Pupils aged between four and 18 are able to attend for three hours of comedy, drama, musical theatre, film and TV classes on Saturday mornings and special lessons with Pauline.

Dartford’s Longfield Academy will play host to a free open day as part of the new academy on Saturday, April 16, from 9.45am until 1pm.

Children who attend the open day will be divided into age groups and allowed to sample each class, with parents welcome to stay and watch. Refreshments will be available and PQA staff will answer questions.

Pauline has around 80 academies across the country teaching over 5,000 children.

More details at www.paulinequirke.com