Musical theatre and dance have been Bryony Rowe's passion since she first donned a leotard at the age of three.

And now the 16-year-old's dreams of appearing on the West End stage look to be a step closer after gaining a coveted place at Studio La Pointe College of Performing Arts near Leeds.

Bryony, who lives in Dereham with mum Nicky, dad Phil and younger brother Josh, was accepted on a three-year musical theatre course, approved by Trinity College, London.

And she is one of four students to be offered a funded place by the College on the course out of hundreds of applications from talented performers from all over the country as well as some international auditionees.

Bryony, who has just done her GCSEs at Northgate High School, said she was surprised to be recalled to audition for one of the four the funded places as the competition was so great.

'There were about 300 applications in total, just four funded places and some Dance and Drama Awards. We had to do some dancing, singing and acting. I think I was more nervous about that audition than anything else because everyone was so good. I couldn't believe it when I heard I had got one of the places.

'I hope I can one day perform on the West End or do cruise ships because I want to travel the world.'

Mum Nicky said it was a difficult decision to let her daughter leave school at 16 but she said she wanted her to 'follow her dreams'.

She said: 'She is so passionate about it I could not stop her. I don't want her to have any regrets about not giving it a go.'

Bryony, who performs regularly for Dereham Theatre Company, Act Too and Dance With Me Academy, will be following in the footsteps of her dance teacher Kelly Dunlop, director of Dance With Me Academy.

Dad Phil said: 'Kelly was a former pupil of SLP College and has played a significant part in Bryony's development, offering constant guidance and mentoring for Bryony to achieve her dream of a career in performing arts and hopefully one day the West End.'

Bryony is currently working three jobs waitressing and lifeguarding to raise the additional funds needed to pay for the course and to support herself but if anyone wishes to sponsor her time at the college they can contact her mum Nicky on 07900 325 656.