A Keighley teenager is raising cash to pay her way through dancing school because Bradford council is unlikely to fund her studies.

Sarah Shackleton also risks losing a promised £1,250 Arts Council grant because Bradford council may not have enough money to match it.

Sarah, 17, of Highfield Lane, has gained places on several dance and theatre courses including the prestigious Brian Rogers Performers' College.

The council's policy of not funding such courses at private colleges is expected to continue in the next financial year.

Sarah and her parents have now embarked on a fundraising campaign to help pay for her accommodation, living expenses and £5,000-a-year tuition fees. She is writing to local firms requesting sponsorship, plans a sponsored walk and car boot sale, and hopes to work during the summer.

Sarah says: "From an early age it has been my dream to become a performer."

Sarah has performed in pantomimes in Glusburn, as well as The King and I at Bradford Alhambra. She has also played principal roles in Holy Family School productions.

Sarah has studied for the past nine years with Keighley dance teacher Mary Eckersley-Fielding. She has been offered £1,250 by the Arts Council but the grant will only be given if her local authority provides at least the same amount.

A Bradford council education spokesman says Sarah is unlikely to be eligible for a grant. She adds: "Sarah can appeal."

l circumstances and her appeal will be heard by the Further Education sub-committee.

"We will try and help Sarah by providing her with information about alternative sources of funding."

Councillors meeting next week are expected to agree discretionary grants only for students with learning difficulties or disabilities, or people who began studying by the 1996/97 academic year.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.