She dreams of having a career as successful as musical theatre star Claire Sweeney.

And Emily Nicholls, from Oakes, is on the right track after bagging a place at the same drama school that Claire attended.

She beat off stiff competition from thousands to win a spot on a course at London’s prestigious Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts.

She’s following in some very famous footsteps as previous students there include Bonnie Langford, Martine McCutcheon, Karen Gillan, Russell Brand and Pixie Lott.

But in order for her dream to become a reality Emily, from Oakes, must first raise more than £8,000 in order to keep her place at the top school.

Emily Nicholls in re:volt at the Lawrence Batley Theatre. She's won a place at Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts.

She was recently accepted onto Italia Conti’s one year foundation in acting course which starts in September.

Founded in 1911, it is the world’s oldest theatre arts training school and one of the top 10 drama schools in the UK.

Emily, 21, endured a tough audition process to win her place including taking part in several workshops and performing two monologues in front of a panel.

She said: “It’s very tough to get a place, there are thousands of people that audition.

“When I got the call to say I had been offered a place I couldn’t stop screaming, I’ve wanted this for so long.

“So many well-known people have gone there and been really successful in the industry.”

Emily is currently studying a foundation degree in acting at Newcastle College.

The course at Italia Conti includes acting for camera and radio, movement and singing, preparing students for future auditions, theatre visits and masterclasses with industry professionals.

Emily started acting with amateur theatre groups in Huddersfield at the age of 17 and her past performances include a play inspired by the Luddite Revolt at the Lawrence Batley Theatre.

She now needs to find the £8,450 course fee plus thousands more in living costs or she will lose her place at the school and have to re-apply next year.

Emily said: “It would mean everything to me as I’m happiest when I’m on stage.

“I’ve written to charities and actors like my favourite actress Suranne Jones and Zoe Wanamaker, who I know has helped people in the past.

“I have organised a singing competition and have got a celebrity judge for that.

“I’ve asked one of the guys from my favourite musical Blood Brothers to come and do a workshop and a comedy night organised as well.”

To help Emily raise funds call her on 07847 522832 or visit her fundraising website emilynichollsfunding.weebly.com