MORE students from deprived backgrounds are being encouraged to apply for a grant scheme.

Two free events are being held in Kirklees to raise awareness of the scheme, which encourages young people to stay on in further education.

The events - at the Indian Muslim Welfare Society, Batley, on March 8 and the Hudawi Cultural Centre, Great Northern Street, Hillhouse, on March 14 - aim to explain the merits of the Education Maintenance Allowance.

The events run from 11.30am to 1pm and include lunch.

The scheme was launched nationwide last September, following a successful pilot scheme in 56 local education centres.

But the uptake in Kirklees has only been moderate, with more than 1,000 of the students eligible to apply for the scheme still not registered.

In September this year 3,350 students were eligible, but only 2,300 have benefited from the allowance.

The scheme gives weekly payments to students aged 16 who stay on in further education and who live in a household with an annual income of £30,000 or less.

The cash aims to cover day-to-costs that students have to meet, such as travel expenses, books and course equipment.

They can also claim bonuses of up to £500 over a two-year period if they make good progress and a commitment to learning.

Anyone wanting to go to the Batley and Hillhouse events should phone Suzanne Hilton at LSC on 01274 444141 or email at suzanne.hamilton@lsc.gov.uk