A TEENAGER has been awarded a place at the performing arts college attended by Victoria Beckham before she was a Spice Girl.

Ashleigh Gaythorpe, from Ingleby Arncliffe, near Northallerton, will study a diploma in musical theatre at the Laine Theatre Arts College, in Epsom, Surrey.

The 16-year-old has been dancing for eight years and begins her college training this month.

She has previously taken classes at Northallerton's Planet Dance school and dances at championship level.

Ashleigh is also an accomplished ballet dancer and enjoys singing and acting. Her mother, Jo, said she could not wait for fame.

"To gain successful entry to the Laine Theatre Arts College, Ashleigh had to go through two full days of gruelling and nerve racking auditions," she said. "Her ambition is to dance on the West End stage in London, just a stone's throw from where she will be living for the next three years."

Her daughter's tuition for the next three years will cost more than £35,000 and she is looking for sponsorship and grants.

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Mrs Gaythorpe on 07952-155239 or at Ash Lea, Ingleby Arncliffe, Northallerton, North Yorkshire, DL6 3LS.