The founder of a 20-year-old stage school has battled a string of problems to bring the curtain up on a new term.

And June Surrage, of Risinghurst, Oxford, who set up Sparkle Stage Set School of Performing Arts in 1986, is looking to add to her fresh cast of budding actors and actresses.

Mrs Surrage has experienced her fair share of problems over the years, but has kept the school running - usually out of her own pocket.

In July 2005, rats infested Mrs Surrage's garage in Kiln Lane and destroyed 20 years worth of props, backdrops and costumes.

Mrs Surrage, who teaches singing, said: "The rats destroyed everything I had collected over the years. The council had to come and remove them from my property.

"Everything was ruined and had to be chucked out. It was very upsetting.

"These were things I had collected that were irreplaceable."

The second blow came when Oxford City Council stopped a £600 grant that was used to pay for the copyrights for musicals.

Mrs Surrage said: "It's a real shame. The council stopped the grants around six years ago. It was felt that we were doing well enough as we were. The extra funds went towards musicals that we put on and any profit raised would go towards the next show.

"Since then we have struggled on and I have put much of my own money into the school in order to keep it going. I don't do this for money-making purposes, I do it because I really enjoy it."

Mrs Surrage has taught several pupils that have gone on to join London drama schools, stage schools and West End productions.

Students often perform at elderly residential homes in Oxfordshire which helps to boost confidence and prepare them for the big stage.

She said: "Students become like a family to me and when they leave to progress in their careers, I feel incredibly proud of them, but also upset to be seeing them leave.

"There is nothing more satisfying than seeing a shy child take on a lead part and shine through."

Sessions take place every Sunday at Risinghurst Community Centre in Kiln Lane. The school is open to any young people between the ages of eight and 18. Places cost £10 per week.

Anyone who is interested in joining should call Mrs Surrage on 01865 765732.