A STUDENT who feared she would have to give up her studies because of transport problems has been loaned a moped through a new scheme.

Alice McCarthy, 16, of Thirn, near Masham, has been given the scooter so that she can travel the 30 miles to Harrogate Grammar School.

She is one of the first to receive a moped under the new scheme, which is run by North Yorkshire County Council in conjunction with the Rural Transport Partnership.

It offers students attending full-time courses in sixth forms or colleges the chance to use a moped to get to and from college.

The mopeds are restricted to 31mph and can be ridden by 16-year-old students on L-plates.

Priority is given to students who live in remote areas.

Alice said: "I live in a small village called Thirn, just outside Masham. It is 30 miles away from school, and the nearest bus stop is five miles away.

"I would have found it really difficult to get to school if it hadn't been for the new moped scheme. I don't think that I would have been able to continue my studies. I hope the scheme will be a great help to students like myself."

County councillor Jim Clark, executive member for lifelong learning, said: "Previously, students were provided with a mileage allowance to get to the nearest bus pick-up point.

"If the student cannot arrange a lift, then there are real difficulties. For some students, the loan of a moped will overcome these problems."