A NEWPORT teenager is appealing for sponsorship help after winning a place at a top stage school.

The Argus reported earlier this year how Rebecca Bugeja, 18, of Lavender Way, Rogerstone, had been granted a place at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts.

The school caters for acting, singing, dance and musical theatre and boasts former pupils including Martine McCutcheon, Naomi Campbell and Bonnie Langford.

Miss Bugeja is due to start at the school in September but following interviews for a scholarship, she has recently been informed that the school is unable to help her with funding.

Term fees at the school are £3,000 per term and Miss Bugeja will also have to fund her accommodation leading to a bill of around £10,000 for her year there.

If she doesn’t find the funding she will not be able to go the school and although she has got a back up plan to go to Buckinghamshire University to study drama and performing arts, studying at Itali Conti is her dream.

She said: "I was really happy and couldn’t believe it when I got the place.

"Now it could be taken away just because of money issues."

Anyone who can help Miss Bugeja is asked to call 07532349215.