Help for Ann Marie

ANN Marie Illingworth from Telscombe Cliffs is hoping for West End stardom after getting a helping hand from Southern FM's charity Fun-d 2000.

The 20-year-old performing arts student from Chatsworth Avenue has scooped a 280 grant to help her develop her training. She is currently in her second year at the Italia Conti Academy in London.

Former Longhill School student Ann Marie, who has performed with Jason Donovan in Joseph and his Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, was thrilled with the grant.

She said: 'It's brilliant that there is a charity which is supporting youngsters who want to achieve in their field. Performing arts can be very expensive so every little helps. This will buy me really vital equipment.

'Ultimately, I want to perform in West End musicals, that's my dream. Singing and dancing is definitely my thing, but I enjoy all parts of performing arts.'

Fun-d 2000 was set up to support talented ambitious youngsters in Sussex. Its project manager Stella Stedman said: 'Ann Marie has got a huge amount of talent and I am sure she has a bright future ahead of her.'

Ann Marie has already been back to Southern FM's studios to say thank you and meet DJ Chris Copsey,.