YOUNG people living in Richmondshire are being urged to put themselves forward for a higher education scholarship.

Students who might find it difficult to afford a university education are being offered the scholarships by the Skipton Building Society, working in partnership with North Yorkshire County Council and Leeds University.

Scholarships of up to £500 a year can be awarded to students doing their A-Levels and up to £2,000 a year for those studying for a degree at York or Leeds University.

Students who study at universities other than Leeds or York can receive £1,000 per year. Funding of £375,000 has been earmarked to be spent over a five-year period.

Councillor Caroline Patmore, the county council's executive member for children's services, said: "This scholarship scheme has been very successful in its first two years and it has made a real difference to many students.

"Our message to young people is that this kind of financial help can be vital in helping them get through higher education with as few money worries as possible.

"One of last year's successful applicants did not need to take on part-time work because of the money the scholarship offered her. This meant she could focus more on her studies."

Richard Ward, the county council's student support manager, added: "To gain a scholarship, students must demonstrate the potential to study at degree level by being on a course that leads to university entrance, or be attending a degree course already.

"Applicants must be under 21 on September 1 this year, and have a family income of less than £19,000 a year. Priority will be given to applicants where there is little or no experience of university education in the family."

The deadline for this year's applications is June 30 and forms are available in all Richmondshire schools or by calling (01609) 532225. The scheme is also being run in the Craven area of North Yorkshire.