AFTER winning a scholarship to a prestigious performing arts school a Winchester schoolboy’s parents are on the hunt for sponsors to make up the £12,000 a year funding gap.

Lewis Clark, 11, started dancing aged seven and has several West End auditions under his belt, including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Billy Elliot.

Now the Florian School of Dance pupil has been awarded a place at The Italia Conti of Theatre Arts.

But his parents, Michelle and Steven Clark, of Hoskings Row in Cheriton, say the scholarship only covers payment for part of a term and they would need an extra £12,000 a year to send him there.

Hampshire Chronicle:

Above: Michelle and Lewis Clark

“He has worked so hard for this,” said Mrs Clark, a healthcare assistant and administrator at Royal Hampshire County Hospital.

“He trains so many nights a week doing ballet, tap, modern, jazz. He also sings, plays the flute and taught himself how to play the keyboard.”

She said between working and managing family life with her two other children, they are unable to find the money.

Lewis said: “I love dancing and I like to learn the different styles. I just want to be a star on TV and stage. My life is dancing and I never stop! I would like to go somewhere where everyone dances.”

The St Peters Primary schoolboy has an audition for Matilda in the West End tomorrow.