A PLACE at the same theatre school attended by Kate Winslett is waiting for a Blackpool student - but she faces a Titanic struggle to get there.

Lisa West, of Toronto Avenue, Bispham, has already been accepted following an audition at London's Red Ruth Theatre School, but is appealing for local sponsors to help raise £24,000 for the two-year course.

The 18-year-old, currently revising for her A-levels at Blackpool Sixth Form College, explained: "Acting is all I've ever wanted to do, but it would be awful to miss out because of the funds.

"The course fees are £6,000 per year and I will need about the same again for accommodation, course materials and living costs.

"I have applied for an £8,000 career development loan, but I'm waiting to hear about that.

"I have had a lot of people ask what happens if I don't raise the money but I don't want to think about it.

"I'm trying to remain optimistic and hope that local businesses can get behind me - anything will be an enormous help."

Lisa, who has raised £4,000 so far, said she was surprised to learn she had got a place at the renowned school at her auditions in February.

"There were about 2,000 hopefuls and only 20 of us got a place. I was up against people with loads more experience than me.

"But the panel liked me and my renditions of Romeo and Juliet and Billy Liar and they told me on the day that I'd got in."

If you would like to sponsor Lisa you can call her before her course starts on September 22 on (01253) 357856.

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