A BUDDING pop star who was pulled out of classes at school because she couldn't read or write properly has won a place at a top London singing college.

Teachers at Springburn Academy in Glasgow told Mandy Benison there was no point in her being in some of her lessons because she wouldn't pass her exams.

Mandy was branded lazy and left school with just four standard grades.

But while at Stow College studying Theatre Arts, she took a computerised test and discovered she was dyslexic - and then her star potential began to shine.

Call centre worker Mandy, 20, said: "Throughout my life I have been held back and pushed aside.

"I did ask for help and was given a written dyslexia test but told I was fine."

After leaving Stow College Mandy went on to do an HND in Musical Theatre at Motherwell College. And now, five years after being told she wouldn't achieve anything, she is on her way to the top.

Mandy's won a place to study contemporary music at Vocaltech, a singing school in London.

Its most famous graduate is Victoria Hart, the London waitress picked to sing at the Cannes Film festival this year for celebs including Brad Pitt and George Clooney.

Now Mandy, who has been singing since she was a little girl, is in a frantic race to raise the cash so she can start the course in October.

She needs £5295 to pay for the course by Monday.

Despite contacting numerous companies, charities and the council - and working 12-hour shifts - she's struggling to meet the target.

She said: "Singing is the only thing I enjoy doing. If I can't go there's no guarantee I will get in next year."

If you can help Mandy contact the Evening Times at news@eveningtimes.co.uk Picture: Kirk O'Rourke