A TEENAGER from Pontypool is appealing for help to reach her dreams of stardom after being accepted into a prestigious performing arts school.

Eleanor Loder, of West Monmouth Comprehensive School, has been accepted into Tring Park School for Performing Arts this month and plans to start in September 2017.

Former students of the boarding school— based in Hertfordshire —have risen to West End and National Ballet success, with alumni including Disney and Downtown Abbey actress, Lily James.

The 16-year-old— who has attended dance classes since the age of three with the Jacqui Everson Gemini School of Dance in Griffithstown — has been consumed with musical theatre her whole life.

This includes working as a dance mentor, six years of stage performance at Nidus Theatre Arts and regular performances at charity events and to local care homes.

With the yearly cost of a boarding place standing at £34,500 — more than her parents combined income — the teen is appealing to the community to help her achieve her dreams.

“My dream from a young age has always been to become a musical theatre performer and I have always worked very hard to get to the level that I am at now,” she said.

“Tring Park is one of the leading performing arts colleges in the country and has an excellent reputation for producing great talent, including Jane Seymour, Caroline Quentin, Thandie Newton, Ella Henderson and Daisy Ridley.”

Although Miss Loder has been offered a scholarship audition which could see fees slashed by 10 to 75 per cent, she won’t find out if she is eligible for the reductions until March.

A GoFundMe page has also been launched for local businesses and the community to support her on her journey.

She added: “I have attended summer school at Tring Park on the week-long musical theatre course and since my first visit back in 2012 I have always dreamt of studying there when I leave school.

“If you would like to help sponsor me or if you can offer any help or advice I would really appreciate it.”

To support Eleanor, visit her GoFundMe page on: https://www.gofundme.com/elles-performing-arts-school-fund.