A CWMBRAN school boy is hoping to fulfil his dream of going to a top performing arts school, after he was left devastated last year when he could not get funding.

Alexander Smith, 13, of Croesyceiliog, was due to start as a full time student, studying ballet, contemporary and jazz dance, alongside academic subjects at Tring Park School for the Performing Arts, in Aylesbury, last September, but had to forfeit his place as he could not get a sponsor.

The Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw pupil re-auditioned for a place in February and secured a coveted place at the school for a second time, but is once again facing the challenge of meeting the £27,000 a year tuition fees.

Alexander, who has been dancing for more than eight years, said: "I was a bit disappointed when I couldn't go last year. I was really pleased to get a place again for this year though and really hope I can get the money to go.

His mum, Deborah said they have already raised £2,000 towards the tuition with fundraising activities, but they really needed someone to sponsor him.

She said: "There are absolutely no scholarships for boys of Alex's age, so we need a sponsor to help. The older he gets the more scholarship opportunities there are."