MORE than 1000 youngsters cheered on X factor finalist Nicholas McDonald as they welcomed him back to school.

The 17-year-old is spending the day at his former school, St Aidan's High in Wishaw.

Pupils at the school waved banners and screamed as Nicholas circled the playground in a helicopter.

He landed in Cumbernauld Airport before traveling to Wishaw.

Nicholas was preparing to sing to fifth and sixth year pupils before performing at Motherwell Concert Hall tonight.

The teenager will battle against contestants Sam Bailey and Luke Friend in this weekends X Factor final.