A DESPERATE family of a young dancer have appealed for help to let him follow his dream.
Talented Benjamin Carter has gained a place at the prestigious Hammond School in Chester.
But despite putting their house on the market, his family cannot afford the £19,000 annual fees.
"He is within grabbing distance of his dream. He lives to dance and is always performing," said his mum Sally.
"But unless we get someone to sponsor him there is no way we can afford to send him there. It is like the end of his world."
Ten-year-old Benjamin auditioned in November for a place at the boarding school, which is a centre of excellence for the performing arts.
He has danced since he was just four years old and trains with the Bernadette Heys School of Theatre Dance in Marsden.
His family, including proud dad Alan and 13-year-old sister Kristie, herself a talented musician, heard within a week that he had achieved a place.
He was then among 30 children chosen to re-audition for a scholarship place, but heard just last week that he was not one of the final seven chosen.
Hammonds has agreed to waive the £7,000 boarding fees, but there is no way dad Alan, who works as a joiner for Kirklees Council, can fund the remaining annual fees of £12,000. That would add up to a total of £60,000 until Benjamin is 16.
The family are hoping to sell their three-bedroomed semi-detached home in Hill Street, Cleckheaton, which is on the market for £127,000, and move to Huddersfield and hopefully gain some equity from the house to help with the fees.
But they still need a major sponsor for Benjamin.
He now attends West End Middle School in Cleckheaton. Sister Kristie goes to Whitcliffe Mount High School.
Anyone who can help should contact Mrs Carter on 01274 871457.
