RUGBY prospect Becci Lewis is hoping to take a major step up to full England honours by joining a new rugby academy.

But the 18-year-old former Stourport High School pupil is looking for financial backing to take her place at Oldfield School, Bath, on September 5.

Lewis wants to head to Bath, home to one of the country's top rugby clubs, to study her final year of A-levels in the junior performance academy before university.

She has been selected among 40 young men and women who could make an impact on the sport in the future and will be under the guidance of England RFU coaches.

Already a member of the England U-18 squad, Lewis, who plays at hooker, has also switched clubs by moving from Worcester to Lichfield.

Her mother Lyn, of Stourport, said: "We have to come up with accommodation costs and transport costs. The biggest problem is it's difficult because I'm a widow.

"We've been coming up against brick walls left, right and centre because it's so difficult to get funding. The local education authority don't want to know because it's A-levels.

"The main reason the RFU are doing it is because these girls and the lads could become full England players. That's their intention.

"As well as her rugby training, they will give one-on-one extra tutoring when necessary to make sure she doesn't fall behind in her studies."

Anyone who can help can contact Lyn on 01299 825512.