BUDDING actress Clare Bracewell has stars in her eyes, after being awarded a place at a leading London drama school.

Clare, a former Nelson and Colne College student, found persistence paid off after struggling to get on an acting course even with good A-level exam results.

Now she can look forward to a bright future after gaining a coveted place at East 15, a well-known drama school whose list of 'old boys' include leading British film director Mike Leigh.

Clare, 20, of Rossetti Avenue, Burnley, studied theatre studies, communication studies and art at the college, before leaving last summer and experiencing her first rejection.

"Of course I was disappointed and it would have been very easy to say 'forget it' and try something else," she explained, "but all I have ever wanted to do is work in the theatre and I eventually came to the conclusion that I didn't deserve success if I was going to be put off at the first hurdle." Clare, a former pupil of Ivy Bank High School, Burnley, realised it was probably her lack of practical experience rather than the academic side of things that let her down, so she worked during her year off to get as much experience as possible.

"I got a job working at the Wacky Warehouse (a pub chain's children's play area) which taught me a lot about entertaining children and I also landed parts in shows with the Pendle Civic Players and Colne Dramatic Society," said Clare. "I also went on tour with Burnley Youth Theatre."

Clare is looking forward to starting a three-year acting degree course.

Her college tutor Mel Simpson, said: "Clare has shown what can be achieved with determination and we wish her all the best for the future."

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