SINGER-SONGWRITER Mark Joseph made two appreances at Rooks Heath High School in South Harrow as part of its enterprise week.

Mark, 23, known as a "DIY pop star", told pupils how he had achieved chart success without the backing of a record company.

He said he had been inspired by Oasis when he was only 13, he bought a guitar and taught himself how to play it.

He then started to write songs and play with other musicians in his home town of Leighton Buzzard. It then led to Mark busking in different countries and playing gigs.

Twice he was offered recording contracts, but each time the deal fell though.

Therefore in August 2000 Mark set up a studio in his back room and produced his own record label.

At Rooks Heath in Eastcote Lane on Wednesday last week and again on Monday, Mark played tracks from his album, Scream, while his dad and manager Stefan explained how the album was produced.

Mark said:" Times were hard as it was difficult financially.

"However I could not have done it without the help from my family and friends."

All three singles that Mark has released have made it into the top 40.

He has now been signed up by Warner Music's 14th Floor records who was sponsoring his tour to 100 schools and colleges.

He also had the chance to go to Los Angeles and re-recorded his album in a studio.

Mark said:"I have always enjoyed playing at schools. Many pupils are interested in music and need some guidance about what to do next. I like to help people and to show them that anything can be done if you put your mind to it."

Radhika Chauhan, 13, said:"I think Mark Joseph was very inspirational.

"I play the flute and I have always wanted to be in a band."

Ros Corzberg, assistant head teacher said:" We invited Mark to come to our school to celebrate enterprize week.

He is a role model to students and has encouraged them to go into enterprising."

Mark's album called Scream is available at Virgin and HMV. If you would like more information on him you can log onto www.markjoseph.co.uk.