Prospective university students could find their studies given a financial boost, thanks to a new bursary scheme.
The Rochester Bridge Trust Spence Agricultural Scholarship will grant the recipient £1,500 a year for three or four consecutive years, when studying at the University of Nottingham.
The scholarship has been launched in recognition of the work of John Spence, a former Senior Warden of the Trust.
Mr Spence OBE DL was a trustee for 30 years and his interest in agriculture began at a very young age. His early involvement was in pig husbandry, for which he won recognition at shows when just a teenager.
An engineer by profession, Mr Spence has also held a variety of other posts within the Kent community and nationally, including roles in education and local government, and serving as chairman to a variety of small companies, the local health authority and the police.
Sue Threader, Bridge Clerk (Chief Executive) to the Rochester Bridge Trust, said: “John Spence served the Trust for three decades, and was a highly respected member of the Court of Wardens and Assistants. When he stepped down from the role last year, the Court decided to establish this scholarship to recognise his hard work and dedication.
“As the Trust puts a lot of importance on education, it seemed only right to support a young person studying a subject that is both relevant to this organisation as an agricultural landowner and to John, who has done much to share his knowledge and experience in the field.”
Students are eligible to apply for the scholarship if they are planning to start their university career in the 2018/19 academic year, to study for a BSc degree in Crop Science or Livestock Science. They must live or study in one of the qualifying areas at the start of their application. The areas are: Medway, Kent, London Boroughs of Bexley and Bromley, Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire and West Yorkshire.
The qualifying geographical areas all have links with the Rochester Bridge Trust as an agricultural landowner, while the University of Nottingham was chosen as a partner because of the high standard of education it provides in the agricultural sector, and for its central location.
Candidates will be selected to apply on the basis of their UCAS applications, particularly the personal statement. To find out more about how to apply visit the grants page.