ACADEMIC bright sparks have been given a helping hand as they embark on their university careers.

Five students have been awarded a £500 voucher through a bursary set up in memory of the founder of an organisation which provides support services to the community.

Alan Robson, who established the social enterprise Five Lamps, died in2009 at the age of 61.

The bursary aims to help teenagers from Thornaby and Ingleby Barwick who are about to embark on a university degree.

His widow, Joan, said: "Now in its second year, Alan would be amazed to have seen a bursary set up in his name to help local students.

"He was enthusiastic about young people getting help like this. I really enjoyed meeting all of the young people."

The successful students were Laura Appleby, 18 who is going to Sheffield Hallam University to study radiotherapy and oncology; Emily Hook, who is off to the Royal Academy of Dance to study ballet education; Laura Beth Walker, 18, who is going to York St John's University to doreligious studies and theology; Jason Oliver, who has chosen creative digital media at Teesside University; and Sheril Ann Sanji, 19, who is going to Sunderland University to study biopharmaceutical science.

For more information about services provided by Five Lamps, call 01642-608316 or visit fivelamps.org.uk