A MYSTERY benefactor came forward to help a young ballet prodigy from Widnes realise his dream of attending the world-famous Bolshoi school in Moscow.

Daniel Dolan, 18, is only the third British male in the Bolshoi Ballet Academy’s 239-year history ever to be trained there.

But, at one point, it looked as if his hopes could be dashed unless he found a sponsor to help him pay the school’s fees – which work out at around 1,250 euros per month.

This is apart from the thousands of pounds Daniel needs every year to pay for his flights to the Russian capital, living expenses, dance kit, and compulsory medical checks.

The anonymous benefactor came forward after reading about Daniel’s plight in newspapers, including the Daily Post, and offered to pay his fees for the remaining three years of his course. A grateful Daniel said: “It was a very generous gesture after he said he read the story in a Liverpool newspaper.

“There was a real risk I wouldn't have had the funds to go back, and it could all have ended there.

“It’s been a lot of hard work but it’s going absolutely brilliantly and I’m loving it.”

Halton Council has also provided funding to help Daniel continue his studies.