A Skipton teenager may not be able to take up her place at a prestigious musical theatre college because of the high tuition fees.

Emma Tillotson, of Lytham Gardens, travelled the country to take part in auditions for some of the most respected musical theatre colleges in the country.

And after beating off the competition Emma gained a place at Laine Theatre Arts to study for three years.

However Emma's dream of becoming a performer may have to be put on hold unless she can find more than £10,000 for her first year tuition fees.

Emma said: "I have completed the hardest stage of achieving my dream, yet I am unable to attend the college without the adequate funding.

"The tuition fees are £10,522.13 per annum (£3,507.38 per term), with added compulsory costs of over £1,800 for equipment, uniform and examination fees. This does not include any living costs."

Because the course is vocational Emma will not receive any help from the Local Education Authority or a student loan.

Instead she is trying to save as much as possible by working part-time at the Devonshire Arms in Bolton Abbey, Aeolos in Skipton and Bolton Abbey tearooms as well as working as a dance coach at a summer school.

She is desperately hoping that she will be able to get the funding together to start the diploma course in the autumn. Anyone who can help should contact her on 07734 151697.