BUDDING starlet Gabbi Lee's dreams of a stage career look set to collapse unless a fairy godmother comes forward to fund her schooling.

Gabbi, 12, from Enford, near Pewsey, has been forced to drop out of the prestigious Arts Education School at Tring Park, in Hertfordshire.

The teenager was forced to leave after her sponsor pulled out. Currently she is attending La Retraite School in Salisbury as a day pupil.

Gabbi hoped to follow in the footsteps of some of the Hertfordshire school's famous old girls including Julie Andrews and Caroline Quentin.

Her parents can afford to pay only part of the £7,000 a year fees at the Arts Education School, one of the top educational establishments in the country for budding actors and dancers.

They can manage £2,000 a year and another sponsor has offered £1,000 leaving them £4,000 a year short of what the school charges.

Mum Karen said: "It was so disappointing for Gabbi when she had to leave Tring Park, even more so because all her teachers said she was the ideal pupil."

Mrs Lee said: "They have kept her place open for a year because she was so good but there is no way we can afford the fees without sponsorship."

Gabbi's acting talents were spotted by her parents and teachers from a young age and it was a dream come true for her when a sponsor came forward to help pay her fees at the performing arts school.

She had started singing and dancing at an early age and loved the special drama lessons she was receiving at Tring Park.

She said: "I didn't do it properly until I went to Tring Park but I really enjoyed it.

"They have got their own theatre and the teachers were really good.

"I got to be in proper shows which was brilliant. I want to be a film actress one day. They are very professional there and would help me get an agent."

Gabbi is hoping that someone will come forward with the sponsorship to enable her to return to Tring Park and take up her acting lessons again.

Mrs Lee said: "We are looking for anyone who can help us get her back there."

There is a pressing need, said Mrs Lee, so that Gabbi could re-start at Tring Park after Christmas.

There are grants, bursaries and scholarships the family can apply for but these have to be sought before the start of the school year.

When Gabbi's sponsor unexpectedly dropped out, Mr and Mrs Lee were too late to apply for any of the 2003-4 grants and bursaries.

Her mother has made dozens of phone calls and written many letters seeking financial assistance only to be told funding was already allocated for the present school year.

Mrs Lee would like anyone who can help them to ring her on 07799 778969.

She said: "They would be making an investment in Gabbi's future because she will be very successful one day.

"We just hope she gets the chance to fulfil that dream."