PARENTS Carol and Raymond Gage had so much faith in son Christopher's ability to become a showbiz star they sold their home to raise the £36,000 he needed for performing arts college.

At the weekend, their sacrifice paid off as 70 members of Christopher's family travelled to Sunderland's Empire Theatre to watch him perform in a smash-hit touring version of the musical, West Side Story.

Christopher plays the role of Baby John in the show, set in the gritty streets of New York City.

The youngster's search for stardom began five years ago when he successfully auditioned for a role in Oliver!, alongside Jim Dale, at the London Palladium.

With no source of funding in sight, his parents sold their three-bedroomed home at Stockton-on-Tees and bought a cheaper home in Billingham.

Northern Electric worker Mr Gage, his wife and daughter, Zoe, moved in with his parents for eight months while they looked for another house.

"Sadly, Raymond's mother developed cancer and died while we were there, so there was a lot of strain," said Mrs Gage.

"We had more than a few sleepless nights, but we knew Christopher would have to train in London to give him a real chance of being where the work is. It was quite a gamble - but it paid off."

Christopher said: "I still can't believe my parents have done this for me. I want to pay them back one day by having my name in lights on a show tour to the North-East."

West Side Story moves to York's Grand Opera House for two weeks from Tuesday