A TALENTED group of youngsters have been taking tips from an X Factor finalist before their first theatre performance in Chester.

Rhydian Roberts dropped into Gwernymynydd Village Hall, near Mold, to visit The Gleeks.

The group was set up by Kayleigh Melluish, 23, after she was inspired while watching an episode of hit American TV show Glee.

She told the Chronicle: “I was watching it with my brothers Dominic, 15, and Justin, 22, who has Down’s syndrome.

“I suggested we should form a group so they had the chance to perform.

“To start with there was just the three of us, but the group has grown and we now have 16 members.”

Rhydian, who was runner-up on the ITV show in 2007, visited as part of a tour across Wales to search for performers to appear on his new show, which will be broadcast on S4C next month.

Kayleigh said: “We don’t know if we will be featured in the final programme, but it was an amazing experience.”

Kayleigh told the Chronicle Rhydian was very down to earth and friendly.

She said: “He gave us some great advice. He told us to keep doing what we are doing and to work as hard as we can.

“A couple of weeks after his visit my brother Justin queued up to see him at the Gyl Gobaith music festival in Northop Hall – and Rhydian remembered him!”

Now the group, who recently reached the final of the Wrex Factor talent competition, are gearing up for their first big show at The Forum Studio Theatre in Chester next month.

“I’m a bit nervous as there is still a lot of work to be done,” said Kayleigh.

“I just hope that people from across Flintshire and Chester will come and support us.

“We are working really hard to make the show a success.”

The Gleeks will perform The Gleeks: Born This Way on Saturday, October 8, at 7.30pm and on Saturday, October 15, at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

Tickets are £10 for adults, £8 for OAPs and £5 for children under 12 from www.chestertheatre.co.uk or on call 01244 341296.