THE extension of a grant to help students unable to travel to college has been welcomed in North Yorkshire.

The grants scheme, run by the Learning and Skills Council, is particularly helpful to students living in rural areas who are unable to get to post-16 education.

A further £4m has been put forward by the Learning and Skills Council meaning more students can now benefit from it.

Chairman of the education scrutiny committee for North Yorkshire County Council, Coun John Blackie, said: "North Yorkshire County Council welcomes this as it will undoubtedly help to encourage young people who are restricted in accessing education because of where they live.

"We would like to encourage young people to apply for assistance so that there is as much chance as possible of this becoming a permanent arrangement."

Anyone interested in applying for a grant should speak to their college.

Updated: 11:13 Wednesday, November 19, 2003