TWO students have started university with the help of a social mobility programme from Lloyds Banking Group.

Megan Thomas, from Lower Moor, Pershore, will study business management at the University of Bath while Amy Anderson, from Astley Cross, Stourport, will study psychology at the University of Warwick.

The students are among 120 people who have received support from the Lloyds programme, which offers financial assistance, two paid ten-week internships, and a dedicated mentor from the group to help support talented undergraduates from lower income backgrounds.

In return, they will be expected to volunteer locally for at least 100 hours alongside their studies.

Paul O’Neill, head of Lloyds Scholars, said: “The Lloyds Scholars programme has been building momentum over the past five years and I look forward to welcoming Amy and Megan on to the programme.

"As part of our ambition to help Britain prosper we are committed to addressing inequality, supporting disadvantaged people and championing Britain’s diversity."

Over 600 scholars have now been supported by the programme with 156 who have graduated to date.