A DRAMA student is dreaming of stardom after securing an audition for the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (Rada).

Leanne Golightly, 17, from Coundon, is a sixth form pupil at King James I Community Arts College, in Bishop Auckland, and heads for the bright lights of London next month.

She has taken a keen interest in drama since starting at the school, and performing with the school's renowned youth drama group, Bishop Auckland Theatre Hooligans (Bath).

Now she hopes the audition will help her secure a career in acting.

She said: "I want to do theatre and TV work, and serious drama - although not musicals, because I'm not much of a singer.

"If I'm successful in this audition, I'll get asked back for a second one, and then hopefully be asked to enroll at the school.

"I'm looking forward to it, more than being nervous."

The audition takes place on March 13, and Bath leader Stephen Elliott is confident that she will be successful.

He said that Leanne is normally a quiet girl but comes alive on the stage.

"She's never demanded the attention; she's not going into it for the attention factor.

"She really wants to make a go of it as an actor and develop her skills."

"I support her all the way."