THE University of Durham is running a four-day residential masterclass from July in an attempt to attract students with no family tradition of higher education.

The project is sponsored by educational philanthropists Peter Lampi, of the Sutton Trust, and Peter Ogden, of the Ogden Trust. Both aim to help students from non-privileged backgrounds achieve their full potential.

The masterclasses will be free for up to 200 lower sixth- form students. Priority will be given to students from backgrounds where neither parent went to university.

The programme starts with a four-day residential masterclass, from Wednesday to Saturday, July 9 to 12.

Masterclass co-ordinator Lorraine Jolley said: "The residential masterclass builds on last year's successful pilot, which involved students spending a day in an academic department.

"Applications have been distributed to excellence challenge co-ordinators in schools throughout the region."

The deadline for registration is April 11