Stars in his eyes

The 12-year-old had feared he would not be able to take up his place at the Sylvia Young Theatre School because he had narrowly missed out on a scholarship.

But his parents Tina and Neil of Chiseldon wanted to help their son to realise his dreams and took out a loan to cover the cost of the tuition fees, which are around £10,000 a year.

Keith will be dividing his time between academic studies and performance work when he moves to the London school in September. He will be lodging with a family during the week and returning home for weekends.

He said: "I am really excited. I can't wait to go.

"There will be three other kids from the school and I am really looking forward to living with other people.

He has been watching a documentary series about students currently studying at the Sylvia Young School, which is being screened on BBC1.

Keith will be under pressure from the start, as he has to prepare for a performance at the Royal Albert Hall within a month of starting a new school.

He added: "It looks like it will be tough but I don't mind that. I am looking forward to the challenge."

His parents had appealed for sponsor-ship through the Evening Advertiser but didn't have much response.

Mum Tina said: "We have taken out a loan which will cover the cost of most of the first year.

"We decided we couldn't let this opportunity go and we'll figure out a way of getting the rest of the money.

"We are really chuffed. The hardest part will be him living away from home but we have met the family he'll be staying with and they seem lovely.

"Watching the television series has given us a better idea of what he will be doing."

Keith, who attends Swindon Young Actors and Tanwood School of Dance, has already appeared in Casualty, Teachers, and the film Chocolat, which starred Johnny Depp.

Keith wants to follow in the footsteps of fellow Swindonian Billie by making it big as an actor.

Bhavani Vadde