YOUNG people choosing to study at a north Durham college will be able to take advantage of an enhanced rewards scheme from this September.

All full-time further education New College Durham students aged 16-18 will be eligible for a £200 ‘Cash for College’ reward plus an additional £200 for those with a household income below £26,000.

This is as well as free travel to college on Arriva or Go Northern buses for students that live at least two miles away.

Students aged 19 and over can also take advantage of a means-tested cash reward and travel support up to the value of £400 if their household income is below £26,000.

Principal John Widdowson said: “The College is delighted to announce our new Rewards package for September 2013 to financially support students with the additional costs that arises from studying high quality vocational and academic courses.

“We have made a substantial investment in this package and want to make coming to New College Durham as easy and accessible as possible.”

The college will also offer separate bursaries of up to £1,200 for students in care, or care leavers, students on income support or those with a disability.

There is also assistance with childcare via a Government Care to Learn scheme.