It was all eyes front for Voice star Beth McCarthy when she gave a spell-binding performance for York primary pupils - as a lesson in the powers of persuasion.

Beth, 16, of Rawcliffe, York, was busking on the streets of the city when she shot to fame on the blind audition television show in January.

Yesterday the singer-songwriter took time off from her busy schedule to respond to pleas by pupils at Copmanthorpe Primary to sing at their morning assembly.

Year Three pupils had been asked to test their skills in composing letters which get results by writing to VIPs with requests.

Not everyone wrote back - but Beth contacted the school and agreed to be the “mystery guest” at an assembly for the 200 five to 11-year-olds.

The star hid in a side room until she was announced. Then she stood at the front of the hall and sang a number of her songs, including recent hit Penny Drop, while accompanying herself on the guitar.

Then she spent an hour chatting to pupils about careers in music, song-writing, or on the stage in general.

She told staff she was “delighted” to be there, adding: “The children were lovely and polite and really well mannered.

“I am most impressed that they knew all the words to my songs. I really enjoyed it and all the kids were really great. I enjoy going to ‎schools and want to visit as many as I can because out of all the contestants on The Voice I think I have the youngest fan base. Their letters were really persuasive.”

Deputy head Tim Williams said that as well as getting some valuable showbusiness advice the pupils had also learned the value of a well-crafted letter.

He added: “All the pupils in Year Three wanted to practice their powers of persuasion and many of them chose Beth to write to.

“She got an envelope full of letters and said she had read them all.

Beth, performing in jeans and trainers, with her trademark big blonde hairdo, showed the star quality which got judges swivelling around in their seats for the TV talent contest.

“It was an absolutely fantastic morning. We were delighted with the way she related to the children,” Mr Williams added.

“She was fabulous and showed them how exciting it was to perform and write music.

“The children said it was the best assembly of the year and Beth said she would be happy to come back so we will get different crop of children to write to her again.”