The University of Worcester has secured the country's biggest increase in grant aid from the Higher Education Funding Council.

The institution said the windfall of £2.45m will be used to boost course development and widen participation in higher education throughout the region.

Professor David Green, the university's vice chancellor, said: "The University of Worcester has been identified as the key strategic provider in developing access to higher education in our underprovided- for region.

"This grant increase is a real vote of confidence in our ability to continue developing interesting and varied courses to meet the needs of Worcestershire, Herefordshire and beyond."

The funding increase follows a 41 per cent rise in degree application numbers at the university, the second highest figure in the UK.