BURNLEY AND Blackburn students are being offered a permanent helping hand after their college became the first in the UK to appoint a head of survival.' The pioneering appointment has been made at Myerscough College which has bases at Towneley Park, Burnley and the visitor centre at Witton Park, Blackburn.

It is hoped the position, believed to be the first of its kind, will ensure students get the crucial support they need,not just in the first few weeks after enrolling but all year round.

Taking on the novel new role is 43-year-old Bernard Pendleton who has been employed by Myerscough College for 15 years and has previously enjoyed senior roles in the Bilsborrow-based college's advancement, marketing and work-based learning departments.

The post has been designed to give the college's 1,500 students support and a recognised port of call in times of distress so they are not tempted to drop-out of college.

Whether it's how to deal with homesickness to avoiding debt, students are now urged to contact Bernard and his team directly and they will either give one-to-one advice or make sure they contact the relevant department, counsellor or outlet.

It comes on the back of the latest figures collated by The Higher Education Statistics Agency which reveal nearly one in 10 of all higher education students in 2004/5 abandoned their courses and dropped-out of college / university in their first year.

And Mr Pendleton said he was relishing his role: "I'm really excited, especially as nothing similar has been seen before. Students are faced with all sorts of problems which can seem insurmountable when they try to deal with them without help. Talking to the right people at the right time can provide a wealth of reassuring options and advice about the next steps to take."

Mr Pendleton added: "I am basically the gateway to advice so people can come to me whatever there problem. It may be for recommended employers to ensure they get the balance right and paid work it not detrimental to their studies or to put them in touch with the nurse or counsellor or outside advice centre such as Connexions."

He added: "Dropping out as a result of avoidable problems is the ultimate waste of money".Principal Ann Turner added: "When things get tough it can be a very isolating experience and it is essential that all students know where they can go for help."