A TALENTED Portishead teenager is to realise her dream of attending a prestigious American film school - after raising thousands of pounds in sponsorship

A TALENTED Portishead teenager is to realise her dream of attending a prestigious American film school - after raising thousands of pounds in sponsorship.Victoria Curtain, aged 18, is one of two people across the UK to be offered a place at the coveted School of Film and Television in New York but faced losing it unless she could raise the £35,000 needed to pay her fees and accommodation costs.Now after having her plea featured in the North Somerset Times, three sponsors have come forward and given her the money - a total of £18,500 - to pay for her first year's fees and costs.More than 30,000 people from across the globe applied for just 118 places at the illustrious school, which has produced stars including Hollywood actress Julia Roberts and Lost actor Matt Fox.Victoria, a former Gordano School pupil, said: "I am so, so excited."People read the story in the North Somerset Times and got in touch to offer me the money - I just couldn't believe it."The whole thing is a dream come true."I am very nervous about going but it is a once in a lifetime opportunity."Victoria travels to the USA at the end of the month and is hoping to organise a get-together send off with family and friends.Her mum Lynne said: "We want to say thank you to those benefactors who have helped make Victoria's dream come true."Without their kindness, she would not be going. "The money will pay for her first year out there and we will be looking for support again to help with her second year."Victoria, of Slade Road, dreamed of being an actor from an early age and as well as being a member of the Bristol Old Vic Youth Theatre has appeared in numerous community plays and school productions. The school, situated just off Broadway, came to Victoria's attention via a website called www.starnow.com