A SINGLE mum has pledged to sell her home if her star struck daughter cannot raise enough cash to tread the boards at a prestigious performing arts school.

Julie Gillespie, 45, is willing to put her Penwortham semi-detached house on the market to help 20-year-old daughter, Joanna, pay the £7,000 fee for a popular music and sound technology diploma at the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, established by former Beatle and patron, Paul McCartney.

Joanna was plucked from hundreds of hopefuls to join 19 other students, on the year-long course, starting in September.

"I don't want to sound like a martyr but my daughter's education is very important to me," said Julie, of Ash Tree Grove.

"Joanna deserves to have the best and if I can give her a bit of money to help her, then I'll be pleased."

Joanna started performing at a young age and used to sing along to her mum's Phil Collins records and performed in numerous productions at Penwortham Girls High School. She has done a string of performances with the Broughton Players and has honed her talents during a drama and theatre studies degree at Aberystwyth University.

The former Cardinal Newman College student is thrilled with her mum's offer but wants to try and raise the money herself first.

She intends to write to local businesses and Preston's Nick Park, creator of Wallace and Gromit, and Phil Redmond, creator of Brookside and Grange Hill, for sponsorship.

Joanna, who has never had any formal training, said: "I never expected to get into the school. I just gave it a go because I knew I could save money by living at home. I'm absolutely thrilled.

"Like all mums, mine will do anything to help me and I really appreciate what she's doing but hopefully I'll be able to raise all the money myself."

If you can help Joanna call 01772 752859.