AFTER winning a scholarship to a prestigious performing arts school, a Hampshire 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, Cheriton, near Winchester, say the scholarship only covers payment for part of a term and they need an extra £12,000 a year to send him there.

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

“Lewis trains so many nights a week doing ballet, tap, modern, and jazz.

“He also sings, plays the flute and has taught himself how to play the keyboard.”

Mrs Clark said between working and managing family life with her two other children, she and her husband are unable to find the money to send Lewis to the arts school.

Lewis said: “I love dancing and I like to learn the different styles.

“I just want to be a star on television and stage.

“My whole life is dancing and I never stop!

“I would like to go somewhere where everyone dances.”

The St Peters Primary schoolboy had an audition for Matilda in the West End this week.