By Clare Kinrade

Last updated at 11:43, Saturday, 22 September 2012

West Cumbrian students walked away with almost £9,000 in cash as a reward for choosing to study a science and engineering subject at sixth form and university.

The money was handed out by engineering charity the REACT Foundation earlier this month. The annual reward had been promised to the teenagers and was finally handed out after they secured a place at either university or a sixth form course.

This year the charity went one better and named two bursary winners each getting £3,000 towards university costs.

Kyran Clark, of Keswick School, and Helena Tranter, of Cockermouth School, were awarded the top prizes after applying for an engineering-related degree at university which they start this month.

Kyran, 18, of Wythop Mill, who will start a four-year chemical engineering course at the University of Manchester, said: “A few years ago I was lucky enough to be chosen for the foundation’s year 11 award and that stood me in good stead during my A-levels, so I knew I wanted to apply for the bursary this year.

“Three thousand is a lot of money for a university student and it will go along way in paying for the likes of books and course material.”

Helena, 18, of Bridgefoot, will study a three-year civil engineering course at Birmingham University.

She said: “I’m thrilled to finally have the money in my hand.

“I will put it to use for my course and buy things I would have otherwise had to fund myself.

“It is difficult for students, particularly starting in September, the higher course fees have made things that little bit tougher so I’m relieved I got it.”

Samuel Cole, 18, of Camerton, walked away with a further £1,000 bursary from the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) West Cumbria, which is offered in addition to the foundation’s fund in recognition of its help encouraging West Cumbrian students into a mechanical engineering-related degree.

He said: “The bursary is a great incentive for young people and it’s a shame there aren’t more opportunities likes this for those like me starting out in higher education in science and engineering.”

Thirteen other young hopefuls were given £200 each at the event held at The Beacon, Whitehaven.

First published at 10:50, Saturday, 22 September 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk