A RISING star who began her career at a west Wiltshire school is set to take her place in Hollywood.

Romola Garai, who started acting while at Stonar School, Atworth, looks set to become one of the nation's hottest new stars with headline roles in Dirty Dancing 2 and the new version of William Makepeace Thackeray's epic novel, coming up in 2004.

Romola, 21, has been relaxing with her parents at their home in Calne after completing filming in Puerto Rico on the long-awaited Dirty Dancing prequel, Havana Nights, due for release on Valentine's Day.

The actress will film alongside Hollywood beauty Reece Witherspoon in Mira Nair's version of Vanity Fair, due to be shot in Bath next month.

Witherspoon, who is married to heart-throb Ryan Phillippe, is one of the world's best-loved film stars with recent roles in Legally Blonde 2 and Sweet Home Alabama.

Romola's parents, Adrian, who is a former manager of West Wiltshire Economic Partnership in Trowbridge, and his wife Janet, said they are bursting with pride for their daughter.

Mrs Garai said her daughter is perfectly equipped to cope with the pressures of fame and fortune. "I think the good thing is Romola is following her dream and is loving it," she said.

"Her success is a combination of good fortune and ability but mostly it has been the confidence gained through performing in the Mid Somerset Festival all those years ago.

"As her parents you come prepared for everything and anything but I think Romola will be prepared for the pressures of fame.

"I am delighted to see she is still just a nice girl.

"There are enormous pressures for anyone who gets anywhere like this. It is quick fame and a lot of money, which can be damaging if not dealt with properly."

Romola has been filming the hotly anticipated prequel since the start of the year but flew off to Rome with friends on Wednesday for a much-needed holiday before filming on Vanity Fair begins on June 9.

The 21-year-old has already headlined as Gwendolen Harleth in BBC's version of Daniel Deronda and small-screen version of Charles Dickens' novel Nicholas Nickleby. She also appeared alongside ex-EastEnders actress Michelle Collins in 2001 TV series Perfect.