SHE raked in the accolades for her performance as ‘Puss’ in Burnham District Pantomime Society’s beautifully-crafted show this winter at the Cinderella Awards.

Now, 18 year-old Laura Sandford-Hughes is weighing up her options after being offered places at four different London drama schools – Italia Conti, Urdang Academy, Bird College of Dance, and Performers College.

As well as polishing off her studies at Bridgwater College and taking the lead in BDPS’s key production, Laura was auditioning solidly from November until this May.

“I’ve been performing since I was two, and involved with BDPS since 2005,” Laura, from East Huntspill, tells the Weekly News.

“It feels so good to have been offered these places, because it feels like all my hard work has paid off, and that I can actually be recognised for what I can do if I keep on going.

“I wasn’t even expecting to get into one performance arts school, so when I got into four I was a bit teary.”

Dependent on as scholarship to be able to fulfil her drama school dream, Laura is now on tenterhooks to see what her options are. A full grant would enable her to go to her number one choice, Italia Conti.

Laura continues: “If I don’t get the full scholarship I’ll need as much help as I can get so I can start in September.

“I’m hoping to spend every day if needs be to raise money.”