A TALENTED teenager's dream of acting fame could be scuppered by a funding fiasco.

Katherine Baines, 16, from Ingol, has been offered a rare place at the Arts Education School in Tring.

But although Katherine - the star of scores of local plays - has applied for several grants to pay for the prestigious course, she has so far drawn a blank.

Now her father John is appealing for local people to support Katherine's dream of becoming one of Britain's leading thespians.

He said: "We can't afford to fund her course ourselves as we have another child.

"We'd love to be able to do something like remortgage the house but we have to be fair to Thomas, our son, who starts his GCSE course in September."

Had Katherine been going to another London academy, she would have qualified for financial support.

But appeals for grants for the tring course from almost 20 organisations have all received the same reply: Sorry, the cupboard is bare.

"Katherine has chosen Tring because it also gives her the chance to study for the A levels she needs."

Katherine, who is currently sitting her GCSEs and is predicted to get five starred A grades and five As, has performed in school productions at Broughton High, as well as establishing herself in performances with South Ribble Youth Theatre, the Preston Musical Comedy Society and The Carol May Dance School.

John added: "We are hoping a local philanthropist, charity or similar body will be able to sponsor her. It would be such a shame if her acting ability was lost."

If you can help Katherine, contact the Citizen newsdesk on 01772 255531.

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