YOUNG people living in some of the most isolated areas of North Yorkshire who may face difficulties affording a university education, are to be given the chance to benefit from higher education scholarships.

Scholarships of up to £2,000 a year are available to students in Richmondshire for courses at any higher education institution.

The grants are awarded under a scheme run by a partnership of North Yorkshire County Council, Skipton Building Society, and the University of Leeds.

To be eligible to apply for a scholarship, students must be from Richmondshire and starting their first degree course in September this year. Applicants must have a family income of less than £25,000 a year and come from families where there is little or no experience of university education.

County Councillor Carl Les, executive member for children and young people, at North Yorkshire County Council, said: "These scholarships can make all the difference for students struggling to make ends meet in what is always a very costly phase of their lives.

"I would urge anyone meeting the criteria to apply as soon as possible for consideration."

The deadline for applications is Friday, July 1. Forms and full details of eligibility criteria can be found at www.leeds.ac.uk/ace/PS/SBS.html or by contacting the Undergraduate Scholarships department at the University of Leeds at ugscholarships@leeds.ac.uk or on 0113-343-3378.