A DARLINGTON student bidding for stardom has won a place in a national drama competition.

Jodie Taibi, 19, will travel to London today to take part in the Lamda (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts) Examinations and Allied Irish Bank Awards in communication and performance.

The teenager, a member of Stagecoach Theatre School, recently gained one of the top five marks in the country for her Intermediate Performance award.

She sat all the examinations needed to compete for the award at the same time as studying for A-levels at Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, where she achieved two A grades.

If she wins the competition with her performance from Educating Rita, she will be presented with £250 from actor Jason Flemyng.

Stagecoach principal Trudy Hindmarsh said Jodie's ambition was to study at a London drama school, adding: "We have always been immensely proud of Jodie. She has a rare talent as a serious actress."