THE youngster dubbed Hampshire's Billy Elliot, looks set to achieve his dream of studying to be a ballet dancer at one of the country's top schools, after raising £8,000 in just a matter of months.

Scott Miller, 11, has done everything from busking with a crowd-pleasing tap dance routine to selling cookies and cleaning houses.

His proud father Peter, landlord of the award-winning Wykeham Arms in Winchester, said: "He's worked really hard and we are proud that he has raised the money.

"When he first started busking he was really nervous but he still did it - and the response has been great."

Blessed with a natural talent for dance, Scott was offered a place at Tring Park, a specialist performing arts and academic school that costs £26,000 a year to attend.

"I just love to dance. I enjoy ballet so much and it's great fun," said Scott.

A pupil at St Bede's, Scott was told by his parents he must raise £8,000 towards the total to make his dream come true.

"We told him that if he wanted to go, he must raise the money.

"We wanted to make him streetwise and show him how to be an entrepreneur," said Peter.

A thrilled Scott said he was delighted to have raised the money and was looking forward to starting his new school in September.

"My parents have to find the rest of the money so collecting this much shows them how determined I am. I've done cleaning and gardening - I've sold cookies and golf balls.

"I've done tap-dancing as well," said Scott.

Donations large and small have arrived in the post and Scott is putting together a newsletter to send to people to let them know how he is getting on.