THE college teachers who saw York's very own Pop Idol make some of her first steps into showbiz have wished her luck as she gets ready to bid for super-stardom.

Hayley Bamford, of White Cross Road, has won through a number of gruelling auditions - and braved the infamous Pop Idol judges - to make the final 50 in the hit ITV show.

She is due to sing her version of Leanne Rimes How Do I Live Without You this Saturday in her attempt to win the viewers' hearts - and votes.

If she does, a lucrative recording contract and pop career are waiting. Four years ago though, Hayley was just one of a number of students on the performing arts course at York College.

Her tutors say they saw her potential then, especially when she and her band Thrust grabbed the limelight by winning the 1999 Barbican Battle of the Bands.

They are all wishing her well for Saturday.

Learning assistant Nick Schneider said: "When Hayley was in Thrust at Battle of the Bands was when it really hit me that she was something special. As soon as she came on stage a really rowdy Barbican went quiet and waited for her to perform. With stage presence like that I thought then that she could move on to bigger and better things."

Anne Cooper, who has taught performing arts at the college for 15 years, said: "The first thing I remember of Hayley is a tall, beautiful girl. She was never shy and showed confidence from the start, and I have no doubt that confidence has helped her get this far.

Hayley said she was "really pleased" to have the college's support. It really means a lot to me, as I had a great time at York College.

"The tutors always gave us a lot of help and encouragement - I was quite sad when I left - so to have them supporting me is brilliant."

Hayley's heat is on ITV at 6.10pm, with the result due to be screened at 9.15pm.

Updated: 12:23 Friday, November 30, 2001