AT just 15, Poppy Gosling from Ringwood has been awarded a place on a degree-level performing arts course at Laine Theatre School in Epsom.
Her exceptional talents as a dancer and singer convinced the selection panel that she should join the three-year course this September despite the fact her peers will be several years older.
The Ringwood Comprehensive School pupil was selected from 1,000 youngsters who auditioned.
But her family fears she may not be able to take up the place after learning she is too young to qualify for financial assistance towards the £60,000 fees.
So they are asking Echo readers if they can help with sponsorship in any way.
Mum, Susan, has started her own fund-raising campaign which has seen her collecting neighbours' "junk" to sell at car boot sales.
"We've been doing a lot of 'Wombling' and the garage is bursting with people's unwanted rubbish but so far we've raised £10,800 through car boots sales, grovelling to grandparents and saving up my child benefit.
Poppy, who dances six nights a week and all day Saturday, attending Jo Haynes School of Dance and Big Little Theatre Company, actually attended auditions for five top London theatre schools and was awarded places at four of them.
Mum Susan who has five children all together, is astounded that there is absolutely nothing available in this country to help finance youngsters shown to have talent and skills beyond their years.
She told the Echo: "It's incredible considering theatre is now one of Britain's largest earners of foreign currency - apparently bringing in more than banking or the car industry. So why are we not investing in it by offering help to youngsters like Poppy?
"She desperately wants to go to Laines and if she doesn't raise enough money by September she will lose the place and have to audition again."
Individuals or businesses that may be able to help can contact Susan on 01425 273420.
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