A TOTAL of 28 worthy students, who thought they would have to miss out on a university education, have been offered scholarships with the University Centre Grimsby.

Among those being offered the vital financial support under the new initiative are Oasis Academy Immingham pupils – Laura Tetley, Elizabeth Jarvis, Ross Walker and Chantelle Davenport – who had previously feared their dreams of getting a degree would never come true.

All 28 students in North East Lincolnshire will receive a £1,000 cheque to help them with living costs and be asked to pay reduced tuition fees of £3,500 – rather than the usual rate of £5,950.

And now, all they have to do to secure their place is to achieve the required grades.

Denise Mumby, manager of HE admissions and administration said: "These pupils had fantastic references. They are very promising students with a low income and a high drive to succeed.

"It will be comforting for these students to have financial support and it will be less pressure on their family to support them financially.

"We will be delighted to support these students, who are so deserving."

Laura, 18, of Immingham, is planning to study fine art at the University Centre.

She said: "This is an amazing opportunity to allow me to progress. It will be easier to have the money and I won't have to worry so much about the expensive fees."

Ross, 17, also of Immingham, added he was "thrilled" to be a recipient of the scholarship.

He said: "I can't believe I have been chosen, it will help me out a lot. I am hoping I will get the grades now to get into university."

Chantelle, 20, of Immingham, said: "I thought it would be someone else who would be chosen, not me!

"I am excited and very committed to my work. It has given me an even bigger reason to achieve the grades I need."

Elizabeth, 17, of North Killingholme, wants to study performing drama at university and hopes to become a drama teacher.

She said: "I will work really hard to get the grades, I want to become a drama teacher because I am creative and have a good imagination.

"I was very shocked to get the scholarship. It will help me in this economic climate because we have a low income."

Yvonne Lauer, assistant principal of 14 to 19-year-olds at Oasis Academy Immingham, said: "We are thrilled to have four students from our school achieving a scholarship.

"It will give them a chance to go to university when they may not have been able to afford it before."

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