Croydon's Brit school unveiled a new wing and a revamped recording studio as part of its celebrations marking 20 years of success.

Former students of the performing arts school include Adele, Leona Lewis, Jessie J and The Feeling. In just the UK alone, Brit School alumni have sold more than 21 million albums and 19.8 million singles.

A staggering 65 million albums by former students have been sold worldwide.

In a recent interview, Adele told London 24: "I hate to think where I'd have ended up if I hadn't gone to the Brit School. It's inspiring to be around 700 kids who want to be something."

To mark the school's 20th birthday the school unveiled a new extension the Deacon Wing, named after John Deacon CBE, chairman of governors and former British Phonographic Institute director general.

The new building will allow for further expansion of the school's digital specialism and will also house music, technical theatre and a dance studio.

The ceremony held on September 22, was also attended by Sir George Martin CBE, The Beatles' legendary producer, who witnessed the official naming of the upgraded recording studio.

He said: "The ten years in which I carried out the role as governor were not just a privilege but also a real joy.

"There is something deeply rewarding about watching young people flourish and fulfil their creative potential, the school continues to be a beacon of excellence."

Since first opening its doors in 1991, the school has more than tripled its intake from 300 to 1,000 full-time students, who study the national curriculum while specialising in a chosen artistic field.

Principal Nick Williams, said: "The school is indebted to executives and artists in the British Record Industry, who have supported our development over the last 20 years as an artistic centre of excellence. It has been an astonishing two decades that is worthy of celebration.

"As we look back, we also look forward to another era of success with the introduction of new courses this coming academic year that reflect the rapidly changing technological and artistic requirements of the age."