FOR 19-year-old Grace Purnell, a scholarship from Durham University has opened up “a field of opportunities”.

Miss Purnell, from Hartlepool, is in her second year and is studying Environmental Geoscience having switched from natural sciences after discovering a passion for geology during her first year.

Alongside her academic studies she was on the production team for the summer musical at St Mary’s College, joined the College hockey team and hopes to take up basketball in her second year.

Read more: Lumiere to light up landmarks across County Durham for the first time

On top of that, Miss Purnell is also a member of the Durham Palaeontological Society and Geology for Global Development.

Miss Purnell, a former student at St Hild’s Church of England School, Hartlepool, and Bede Sixth Form College, Billingham, credits her scholarship for helping her take full advantage of life at Durham.

She received the Brian Cooper Scholarship which supports young people from County Durham with tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs associated with Higher Education.

Read more: Landmark historic hotel in County Durham facing demolition within months

Miss Purnell said: “Thanks to the scholarship, I’ve never had to turn down an opportunity at Durham because of money, which is something that would have been a significant barrier to me.

“I’ve really enjoyed getting to know people who I wouldn’t have otherwise met and I’ve done a lot of things I hadn’t done before.

“Anyone thinking of applying to Durham absolutely should.

"It’s one of the best choices I ever made and as soon as I got here I knew I was in the right place."

“And if you’re thinking about applying for a scholarship, absolutely do. Even if you don’t think you’ll get it, just apply for it because you never know what’s going to happen. It really can be life-changing - and it was.”

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also follow our dedicated County Durham Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054