TEENAGERS in Bury who stay on at school will be in line for a weekly payment to help make ends meet.

Sixteen-year-olds will get up to £30 a week if they attend college or a school sixth form -- and could even earn a bonus of up to £500.

The weekly education maintenance allowance will be paid by the Government to students from households in the borough with an annual income of less than £30,000 from September.

The amount, paid directly into each student's bank account, will vary between £10 and £30 depending on family income and attendance.

Bonuses of £100 will also be paid periodically, five times over the duration of the course, for good progress.

Any part-time student earnings will not affect the level of allowance, and is in addition to other support benefits received by the family.

Harold Williams, Bury Council's director of education, said: "This allowance will help young people boost both their prospects for the future, and their pocket whilst they continue to learn and train for jobs."

Application Forms are available on 0808 101 6219 (freephone); from colleges and sixth forms; and from the education department at Athenaeum House, Market Street.