OUT-of-town students could soon receive up to £475 a year towards travel costs to colleges in Darlington.

New Government regulations regarding the provision of transport for students over the compulsory school age came into force in January.

From September, extra grants will be paid to those who have to travel into Darlington to attend college or have to travel out of town for courses not available locally, provided they qualify under means testing.

In line with the new legislation, Darlington Borough Council has set up and is running a further education transport partnership involving representatives from the town's colleges, bus companies and other organisations

The new legislation means the partnership must find solutions where cost or access to transport is a barrier to education and ensure appropriate transport provision is in place for students with learning difficulties or disabilities.

The size of the extra grants is determined by the distance travelled and the annual income of the student's family.

For example, a student living in Middleton St George whose family's gross income is less than £15,000 would be entitled to an extra £135 a year on top of the existing travel grant of £165. This figure drops to £35, however, if there is a family income of between £20,000 and £30,000.

The same student living in Heighington or Neasham would receive an extra £310 if in the lower income bracket, dropping to £160 in the £20,000 to £30,000 category.

The partnership's policy statement is expected to be agreed and adopted by the council's cabinet at its meeting on Tuesday, along with the introduction of income assessment to determine qualification for the scheme