The mother of a Bristol teenager who lives to dance is appealing for help to send him to the college of his dreams.

Aaron Hatherall, who lives in Brockworth Crescent, Stapleton, has been offered a place at a prestigious London dance school, but, after a disastrous 18 months, his parents are struggling to find the cash for his fees.

Aaron, 18, has been dancing since he was six years old, from hip hop to ballet and everything in between. He has graduated from the 344 college in Fishponds and is looking to make his career as a professional dancer.

His mother Sonia, 51, said she was now in a dilemma over how to fund his education.

She said: "He's so passionate about dance he just can't sit still. After applying for dance colleges in London, he was accepted into four and got a boy's scholarship for the Stella Mann school in Bedford. This covers a large amount of what we would have to pay, but we still have to find about £1,000 before September 14.

"This will secure everything and go towards costumes and course fees. We also need to pay for his accommodation and food while studying as well as another £2,000 over the three-year course."

In the past year the family have had to deal with a house fire, redundancy and ill health, but say they have never discouraged Aaron from his dream.

Mrs Hatherall said: "I've been very ill and off work for a year. I've only just returned to work part-time and my wages don't cover what we have to pay.

"Aaron dances for 10 or 12 hours a day, he does some teaching and he used to have a job in Woolworths to earn some extra money, but then they went under.

"We also had a house fire and we had to live in a caravan for six months, so things are only just back on track.

"Aaron has always been so determined when it comes to dance. This is a chance of a lifetime for him but we just don't know how we will find the money."

Aaron, who has dyslexia, is off to the World Hip Hop Championships in Blackpool next weekend to perform a routine he helped to choreograph.

He hopes the three-year course diploma will help him pick up further skills to become an elite performer.

He said: "I couldn't believe it when I got accepted into Stella Mann, it was amazing.

"I've always loved dancing.

"I remember being taken to pick my sister up from dance classes and I wanted to join in. I just feel free when I dance.

"My parents have been able to fund me this far, but I know they have sacrificed many things to make this possible."

The family have written numerous letters asking for help with Aaron's fees and are hoping Bristol Evening Post readers might be able to help by calling Mrs Hatherall on 0797 782 0209.