CHILDREN enjoyed a mini X Factor performance at their village school today when a star from the show turned up by surprise.

CHILDREN were told they could achieve their dreams yesterday by an X-Factor star who has done just that.

The small school of Walsham le Willows CEVC Primary, north-east of Bury St Edmunds, was treated to a special visit by Danyl Johnson, who reached the semi-finals in last year’s series.

The 28-year-old, a former teacher, travelled from his home in Reading to the village where he was greeted by some very excitable youngsters.

Danyl got to hear a rendition of the children’s favourite song – a wiggly waggly worm – before performing himself to a sea of waving arms.

One little boy told him “by the way, you’re through,” which was met with giggles.

Danyl, who is suffering from laryngitis, sang his own version of With a Little Help From My Friends, which he said was the song which changed his life.

He told them: “There’s nothing you cannot do, especially at your age.”

He also enjoyed a lunch prepared by school cook Elaine Wealleans, who arranged the visit after meeting him at the Newmarket races. But it was kept as a surprise for the children.

Danyl said: “I guess they are such a small school and people might not come down so I had some free time today which I thought I would use in a good way.”

Headteacher Angela Hunter said: “The children were really excited. I think he’s been an inspiration to them.”