YEAR 11 students from the region are being urged to apply for places at an Army college before this year's deadline.

The Welbeck Residential Sixth Form College, in Worksop, Nottinghamshire, offers a two-year, science-based education, with students eventually going on to serve as Army officers in regiments such as the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Royal Logistic Corps and Royal Signals.

Youngsters from the North-East and Yorkshire make up the highest percentage of Welbeck students, with almost 20 per cent of last year's entrants.

This year, Rebecca Allen, 15, a pupil at Easington Community School, in east Durham, became one of 20 girls to win a place at the college.

Welbeck is one of the UK's highest-rated sixth form colleges and competition for places is strong, with graduates going on to either the Royal Military College of Science, at Shrivenham, in Wiltshire, or a civilian university.

They then move on to the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst for officer training before joining their chosen regiment.

Colonel Brian Gunson, who is responsible for Army officer recruitment in the region, said: "Welbeck offers a unique opportunity for students, most of whom come from state schools, to receive a top quality sixth form education, while laying the foundations of a successful career as an Army officer."

The deadline for applications for September 2002 entry is May 1. All tuition fees are paid by the Army, with financial support available.

For details, call 0191-384 7682 or (01909) 476 326, or visit www.welbeck.ac.uk