OSCAR-winner Anne Dudley, who scooped Britain's only award for her Full Monty soundtrack, forged her music skills at an Eltham school.

The 42-year-old was known by her maiden name, Anne Beckingham, when she studied at Eltham Hill School For Girls from 1967 to 1973.

She has worked with pop stars Elton John, Phil Collins, Pulp and even the Spice Girls and was a member of the band The Sound of Noise, who had a chart hit with guitar legend Duane Eddy in the 1980s.

Headteacher Mary Wallis learnt about the award-winner's past when former pupils flooded the switchboard after Mrs Dudley appeared at the Oscar ceremony on Tuesday last week.

According to the school's records, the teenager, now 42, was so musically gifted she took her Music A level a year early, getting an A grade with distinction.

She also achieved English A level and went to study at the Royal College of Music in 1974 before embarking on her musical career.

Mrs Wallis said: "We had people ring up who were friends of Anne at school and other pupils who were at the school when she was a pupil.

"The school's motto used to be Labour And Make Music, but it conjured images of pregnant girls all singing along so we changed it to Educating The Women Of Tomorrow, which seems much more appropriate in the this day and age."

Mrs Dudley, who now lives in Hampshire, wasn't the only person from our area to live it up with the stars at the Los Angeles ceremony.

Make-up artist Tina Earnshaw, 53, from Blackheath, was nominated for an Oscar for her work on the blockbuster Titanic.

Unfortunately Tina was pipped to the post by the make-up artist for the Sci-Fi film Men In Black.

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