STUDENTS from disadvantaged backgrounds are being helped into higher education with a new bursary scheme.

Sunderland University is offering an additional £1,000 per student on top of £2,000 from the Government, to ease the burden of continuing in education.

The bursaries will be on offer to 119 young people from low income families, already studying at schools and colleges in the Sunderland area.

University pro-vice chancellor Bob Bell said: "Sunderland has an outstanding record of giving opportunities to students from families where there is no previous experience of higher education, including many from disadvantaged backgrounds.

"These new bursaries are a welcome addition to our efforts to ensure that people who have the ability to benefit from a university education can do so, regardless of their circumstances."

The Government bursaries provide £1,000 for the first year of study, plus £500 for each of the second and third years.

For more details, ring the helpline on 0191-515 3000.