A YOUNG carer has overcome family difficulties and won a substantial bursary to help fund him through a degree.

Liam Hope, 20, an IT student from Padiham, has been awarded a bursary from the Helena Kennedy Foundation to help support him through a BSc degree in computing at Burnley College.

Liam, currently studying for his National Certificate for IT practitioners, has been awarded £1,000 to continue his education.

He is now planning to study for a foundation degree in computing at Burnley College, before topping up' to full degree level. He was nominated by his tutors for his excellent results, despite difficult personal circumstances.

Cheryl Grabarz, head of IT at the college, said: "It's excellent news for Liam and he really deserves it. Liam is the main carer in his home and has also suffered bereavements in his close family, yet he never let this affect his work."

He also achieved 100per cent attendance, plus a silver medal in the national UK Skills Challenge Web Design competition, where he came second out of more than 200 entrants.

Liam said: "I've always wanted to carry on studying and this will help me to do that. I never expected to be given the bursary, so I'm really grateful to my tutors for putting me forward for it."

Liam plans to put the money towards paying for his course fees, books and equipment.