PEOPLE who wish to study for a university degree but cannot afford the full cost of course fees are being offered a 'chance of a lifetime' under a unique scholarship.

Councillor Brian Silvester, deputy leader of Cheshire East Council, launched the Scholarship Fund as his chosen charity during his year as the last Mayor of Crewe and Nantwich.

More than £20,000 was raised, which has been doubled to more than £40,000 following match funding by partners Manchester Metropolitan University and Wulvern Housing.

Grants are now being made available to people wishing to study for a degree at MMU's Crewe campus from September this year.

The grant will cover up to 50 per cent of the course tuition fees and educational expenses.

Successful applicants will undertake an undergraduate course of study of their choice at the campus which specialises in arts, sport science, business and management, humanities and education.

To qualify for a grant applicants must reside within the former boundaries of Crewe and Nantwich Borough and satisfy MMU's entrance requirements. Short-listed applicants will be invited to an interview in early August. The deadline is 5pm on July 27.