A BENEVOLENT fund which wants to give away thousands of pounds in educational bursaries has issued an appeal for more young people to apply. - after failing to attract a single applicant.

The Tees Valley Community Foundation is offering six bursaries to students starting university this Autumn who otherwise would have struggled to fund a university education.

Despite applications having been open since the end of May - and schools having been informed of the application process - the Foundation has yet to receive any applications.

Jacob Bloom, Giving Services Administrator of the Tees Valley Community Foundation, said: "We are trying to increase public knowledge of the bursaries in the hope parents may encourage their children to apply rather than relying on the bank of mum and dad." The Foundation offer six educational bursaries which can provide the recipients with up to 6,000 over their time at university.

The bursaries are either funded by local donors or the foundation itself.

"We have been offering bursaries since 2005 when we first asked for applications for the John Bloom Bursary which grants 6000 over three years to a student studying law. The bursary was set up in the memory of my grandfather, John Bloom . by his wife Nan and is intended to allow students who would otherwise have struggled to follow this vocation the opportunity to pursue a career in the law," Jacob Bloom added.

Following the initial success of the John Bloom Bursary, the Hill Bursary was introduced and is now in its third year.

This bursary funds those looking to study business, economics or accounts.

Tees Power have also agreed to fund a bursary for those studying for a degree at university in disciplines relevant to energy generation. Courses, which qualify for this Bursary, will incorporate some elements of engineering, chemistry, physics and mathematics.

Unlike the Bloom and Hill bursaries which are available to all those living in the Tees Valley, this bursary is intended for those living in the nine wards closest to the power station (Eston, Dormanstown, Kirkleatham, Teesville, Newcomen, Coatham, Grangetown, South Bank or Normanby).

Last year the Foundation also took over the running of the Alderman Worlsey Scholarship from Stockton Borough Council.

The Alderman Worlsey Bursary is slightly different from the other bursaries in that it only funds the student for one year. The reason for this difference is that only those living in Thornaby (excluding Ingelby Barwick) can apply and anyone wishing to undertake a further education course can apply.

This year the Foundation is offering two new bursaries the Anderson Barrowcliff Bursary and the Tees Valley Community Foundation Bursary.

The Anderson Barrowcliff Bursary is being funded by the local accountancy firm of the same name and is aimed at those studying Accountancy, Mathematics or Business Studies.

The successful applicant will also undertake a 6-8 week placement with Anderson Barrowcliff during their summer vacation.

The Tees Valley Community Foundation Bursary is funded by the foundation itself and has been introduced to ensure that there is a bursary available for virtually everyone in the area planning to go to university. The bursary is for a local student intending to study any social science at Teesside University.

This year the Foundation is accepting applications until July 19 and applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application by mid-August.

Jacob Bloom said: "Based on previous numbers an applicant will have around a one in 10 chance of being successful but as I have already said the uptake has been slow this year and therefore applicants chances may be better!"

Once a bursary has been awarded the recipients are encouraged to remain in contact with the donors and their progress at the end of every academic year is monitored.

Anyone wishing to apply should contact Jacob Bloom by ringing 01642 260860 or emailing j.bloom@teesvalleyfoundation.org