Six dedicated students in East Lancs have been given a helping hand by a 94-year-old scholarship fund.

The learners all applied to the Pilkington Scholarship Fund, set up in 1929 to aid young people in Hyndburn wanting to secure university level study opportunities.

All of the students attend either Accrington and Rossendale College or and Nelson and Colne College and have been given grants to gelp them secure their dream careers.

Fund promoters say awards were given for entries that demonstrated excellence, endeavour, greatest contribution, overcoming greatest obstacles and progress, following nominations from tutors.

Four students on extended diploma courses in health and social care were among those to benefit.

Declan Bloomer, from Clayton-le-Moors, was nominated by tutor Cheri Fenwick.

She said: “Declan was a deserving candidate for the greatest achievement award. His outstanding academic achievements, successful completion of the care certificate, active involvement in extracurricular activities, and his pursuit of higher education all exemplify his commitment, dedication, and potential to make a significant impact in the field of healthcare and beyond.”

Declan has gone on to study nutritional science at Edge Hill University.

Cheri also nominated Halima Nawaz, from Accrington, adding: "Halima's outstanding academic performance, work experience at esteemed healthcare institutions, and active participation in extracurricular activities made her an exceptional candidate for the excellence award.

“Her achievements, dedication, and potential for success in the field of children's nursing – which she is studying Salford University – set her apart from her peers and made her a deserving recipient of this prestigious recognition.”

Jessica McLoughlin, from Accrington, also benefitted from the fund.

Her entry said: “Jessica's consistently high grades, active participation in extracurricular activities, and completion of the work placement made her an ideal candidate for the endeavour award. Her outstanding achievements, dedication, and passion for helping others positioned her as an exemplary individual deserving of recognition and support.”

Katelyn Hodgkinson, from Accrington, was praised for “consistent progress in academic studies, coupled with her excellent work experience reports and her decision to study adult nursing at UCLan.”

NCC A Level student, Charlie Boyer, from Accrington, was nominated by tutor Kat Atherton for overcoming obstacles.

Charlie has worked incredibly hard over the past two years during his A Levels, showing excellent resilience and true grit and determination after his GCSEs. He is now studying sports journalism at UCLan.

Kat said: “Charlie showed great resilience in the face of some challenges in year 1. He remained committed, putting in extra effort by actively participating in additional workshops for support.”

Joshua Baynes, from Accrington, studied a BTEC Level 3 extended diploma in sport and exercise science.

His nomination, by tutor Michael Worthington, said: “Josh's nomination for the category of excellence was testament to his unwavering dedication, academic achievements, exceptional work experience, and relentless pursuit of personal and professional growth.”

He is now studying teacher training at Edge Hill University and plans to become a PE teacher.