A teenager who dreams of becoming a Bond girl is hoping others can help her reach the silver screen.

Katie Jo Durant, 18, from Meopham, has been accepted into the American Academy of Dramatic Arts (AADA) in New York, whose graduates include Grace Kelly, Anne Hathaway and Jessica Chastain.

However, she needs to raise £74,000 to attend the two-year course. The sum would cover tuition fees of $33,420 per year and living expenses.

Miss Durant is working full-time over the summer and applying for various loans and grants to help cover the costs but has also set up a fundraising page.

She has already been awarded an $8,000 scholarship off the back of her audition, another $5,000 from the academy as part of a needs-based grant, and her family has raised some money.

Miss Durant said she felt anxious but added: “I’ve never been to America before but I’ve got to do it. This is not an opportunity I can just let pass.”

Acting since she was nine, Miss Durant decided at secondary school that she wanted to pursue it as a career. At that point, she especially wanted to work in dance, but by the time she left school, she had realised she wanted to be an actor.

In September 2014 she started a course at the Miskin Theatre, Dartford, and achieved a triple distinction star.

She is now ready to take the next step.

"I ran downstairs to let my family know but I couldn’t speak because I was so excited," - Katie Jo Durant

She auditioned for AADA and five days later, was emailed an acceptance letter.

She said: “When I found out I was speechless. I ran downstairs to let my family know but I couldn’t speak because I was so excited. I’m still excited now.”

Miss Durant said her mum, Nicole Stewart, had been a huge driving force, helping her overcome any barriers. Her stepfather, Ian Stewart, helps oversee her spending to make sure she is saving responsibly.

The young actress wants to star in period dramas such as the hit television show Mr Selfridge – she has been told she has a classical face.

But her big dream is to become a Bond girl and she hopes someone will help her towards that goal.

She said: “It’s ridiculously hard to raise all this money. If anyone can donate or knows anyone that can donate then it would be very much appreciated to help my dream come true."

You can donate here.