YOUNG people living in rural areas who find it difficult to afford to go to university are being offered the chance to apply for higher education scholarships.

Skipton Building Society is working in partnership with North Yorkshire County Council and Leeds University to provide scholarships to young people who live in the Richmondshire district.

Awards of up to £2,000 a year are available for those studying for a degree at Leeds. Students who study at other universities can receive £1,000 per year.

To be eligible to apply for a scholarship, students must be commencing a degree course in September 2009.

Applicants must have a family income of less than £25,000 a year. Priority will be given to applicants where there is little or no experience of university education in the family.

The deadline for this year's applications is June 30 2009 and forms are available in all Richmondshire schools or by calling Student Support at North Yorkshire County Council on 01609-534954/536203.

*North Yorkshire County Council administers the scholarship scheme which began in May 2003 when the Skipton Building Society donated £375,000 for the scholarships as a way to mark its 150th year.