A talented young actor fears he may have to quit drama school unless he can find the £12,000 a year fees.

Last year Tom Bovington,20, from Walkfield Drive, Epsom Downs, won a place at the prestigious Academy of Live and Recorded Arts (ALRA) in Wandsworth.

He dreams of becoming the next Doctor Who.

But the strain of having to pay the fees is telling on his family and he is desperately trying to raise enough cash to ensure he can finish the final two years of the course.

Tom's parents and grandparents have dug deep to fund his first year and he is working full-time at children’s drama school Stagecoach throughout the summer to earn money.

He has also applied for a maximum loan of £3,000 but this is not nearly enough money to pay the £12,000 fees, let alone his living costs.

Without extra help he has little chance of filling the funding gap.

He said: "After a year of both paying fees and accommodation costs, I can see the strain it has put on my family and it is unlikely that I will be able to afford my second and third years.

"I am desperate to continue with my training and begin my career as a professional actor."

Tom was first introduced to the world of theatre at the age of 8, when he and a friend went to the Youth Theatre Workshops in Epsom Playhouse. Ever since then, he has been hooked on acting.

Every Saturday, he attends Fitznells, a music and drama organisation at Ewell Castle, where he performs in plays and teaches drama to children for six hours.

In his first year at the Academy he has been encouraged to direct short plays and help with the production of performances.

If he were to continue on his journey, his third year would take him on tour, where he will perform in cities around the country and be seen by talent scouts.

He said: "I started this September and have had an amazing year - I've learnt so much, met some amazing people and my passion is only growing."

For more information or to make a donation email tom_bovington@hotmail.com