COUNTY Durham school children are being offered the chance to find out the finance available to them for higher education.

Durham County Council is holding four information evenings throughout the county to explain to prospective university and college students things such as loans and tuition fees.

Officials will also tell youngsters - parents are also welcome - how to apply for the money.

The forum for the Wear Valley area will be held at King James 1 Community College, Bishop Auckland, on Wednesday, February 14, staring at 6pm.

John Bowman, finance and staffing manager in the council's education department, said: "Our aim is to offer and provide as much advice and information as possible about the application procedure, which can be daunting.'