A TALENTED Hampshire teenager has been given a place in one of the country's top dancing and drama schools.

Charlotte Smith from Hedge End is looking to fulfil her dream of performing on the West End stage after being awarded a place at Laine Theatre Arts, but first she needs to find funding to secure her place at the school.

More than 900 budding performers auditioned for the school in Epsom, Surrey, but only 75 students are offered the three-year diploma course.

Charlotte, 16, who is currently studying for GCSEs at Wildern School in Hedge End, has been dancing since she was three and is now looking at ways to find the £11,300 annual bill.

"I adore West End musicals and I would love to perform on stage there one day," said the teenager, who enjoys singing and ballet dancing.

As well as stage stars, other graduates include Posh Spice Victoria Beckham.

Father Rob Smith said: "We want to get her into the school for September so she can have the best possible start. The only problem is that the school is not a university and the course is not a degree so student loans aren't available.

"We are now hoping we can get some sponsorship or fundraising for Charlotte and have set up an e-mail address for anyone interested in sponsoring or has any ideas for fundraising opportunities."

Anyone interested in helping can contact them on sponsorcharlotte@hotmail.co.uk or call Rob on 07929584118.