MONEY is the only obstacle between 17-year-old Melissa Real and her dream career.

Having secured a place at the Margaret Howard Theatre College in North London for September, she now has to raise nearly £7,000 in course fees.

"Melissa has a real gift for teaching dance, one that is rare to find," said Sarah-Jane Price, principal at Hereford Academy of Dance, where she has trained for 11 years.

"Somebody whose first choice is teaching, and who has the ability, should be strongly encouraged."

The course Melissa wishes to follow will lead to the qualifications of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing and the Royal Academy of Dancing.

Anyone in a position to help Melissa can write to her c/o Hereford Academy of Dance, Mortimer Road, Hereford, HR4 9SP.