A father is urging people to sign a petition to help his disabled daughter get a place at a “fantastic” residential college.

Sabrina Leigh, of Glengall Road, Edgware, was denied a place to study at Langdon College, in Manchester when Barnet Borough Council refused to foot the bill.

The 19-year-old has a rare form of cerebral palsy and needs 24-hour care, but the authority says she should spend another year at Oak Trees School, in Southgate.

Although it would cost the authority up to £68,000 to send her to Langdon, her care after leaving Oak Trees in 2015 would cost them a minimum of £102,000 a year.

Since it was launched two weeks ago, 824 people have signed a petition calling for the council to agree to cover the costs at Langdon.

Father Kenny Leigh said: “We are Jewish and we want to keep her in Jewish care – that’s vital for us.

“We’re desperate now and we really want Sabrina to get the life she deserves. Langdon is the only place for her.

“We’ve seen it and it’s fantastic. She won’t flourish anywhere else.”

Her father and mother, Debbie Leigh, will now appeal to the council's SEN tribunal to review the decision.

A statement from Barnet Borough Council said: “The council aims to make provision for its vulnerable adults and children as close as possible to Barnet.

“Provision is available for this young person locally – both for her supported living and for her education.”

To sign the petition click here.