A Harper Adams University student from Herefordshire was awarded a prestigious scholarship on Wednesday.

Michael Rudge from Ross is a BSc (Hons) Food and Consumer Studies student and has been awarded The Jill Willows Scholarship.

The scholarship, worth £1,000, is open to all second year BSc, final year BSc or final year FdSc students enrolled in full time education at the university.

20-year-old Michael said: I am a student ambassador as well being president of the Harper Adams Christian Union. I thought I had no chance of a scholarship especially being put up against such high standards of applicants that there are at Harper Adams University.

"But I was delighted on hearing the news that I had become a Jill Willows Scholar, not only for the financial support in my study, but also the great encouragement of recognition for doing something good for the university and eventually for the food industry."

Michael received the scholarship at the annual Harper Adams University Development Trust Scholarship Presentation.

Anthony Burgess, Chairman of the Development Trust, said: "This is the seventh year of awards. In 2006/07 we made 21 awards of £17,000. This year we made 99 awards of £225,000.

He thanked all the sponsors, the professional team and the academics who give their time voluntarily. He also congratulated all the students.

For more stories in full please see this week's Ross Gazette.