"There is so much talent and so much potential in the town."

Those are the words from Gorleston-born Myleene Klass as she shared her views on how she aims to inspire the lives of others.

Born on April 6, 1978, the singer and presenter picked up music at an early age and attended Norwich's Notre Dame High School and later Cliff Park High School before graduating in musical theatre at the Royal Academy of Music.

Eastern Daily Press: FLASHBACK: Myleene Klass (second-from-left) with pupils from St Mary's RC Primary in 1988. Picture - Newsquest ArchiveFLASHBACK: Myleene Klass (second-from-left) with pupils from St Mary's RC Primary in 1988. Picture - Newsquest Archive (Image: Newsquest Archives)

In 2001, Myleene was a winning contestant in the ITV reality television show Popstars. As part of the pop group Hear'Say, Myleene recorded two number-one hits.

Since then, Myleene has gone on to have a solo music career, and entered the world of broadcasting and fasion design. 

Speaking at the opening of IntoUniversity's new Great Yarmouth learning centre, Myleene said it was important to bring those skills back home.

READ MORE: Say cheese! Are you in these Great Yarmouth school photos from the 1980s?

Eastern Daily Press: Myleene Klass speaking at the opening of IntoUniversity's Great Yarmouth centre. Picture - Sonya DuncanMyleene Klass speaking at the opening of IntoUniversity's Great Yarmouth centre. Picture - Sonya Duncan (Image: Sonya Duncan)

"It was the community that supported me," she said.

"Norfolk is in my blood. And it was people from this area who helped me hone my skills. I want to pay it forward now.

"I want to bring my skillset back to Norfolk and use it to inspire others. It's all about expanding our thinking."

Eastern Daily Press: FLASHBACK: Myleene Klass on Gorleston beach, 2003. Picture - Newsquest ArchivesFLASHBACK: Myleene Klass on Gorleston beach, 2003. Picture - Newsquest Archives (Image: Newsquest Archives)

Myleene endorsed IntoUniversity's new learning centre in Great Yarmouth, saying it was a "vital" place for people to achieve their potential.

She added: "It's also important for people to have the confidence to dare to take risks. People shouldn't be afraid of their limitations.

"It doesn't matter if you fail.

Eastern Daily Press: Myleene Klass with a pupil at the opening of IntoUniversity's Great Yarmouth learning centre. Picture - Sonya DuncanMyleene Klass with a pupil at the opening of IntoUniversity's Great Yarmouth learning centre. Picture - Sonya Duncan (Image: Sonya Duncan)

"The things I've failed at are those I've learned from the most. 

"They made me.

"We need to provide our younger generations with the inspiration and the tools to go far and grow, and then for them to bring it back home."

Myleene revealed she visited Cliff Park Ormiston Academy during her recent trip to the area, and plans to visit again soon.