STUDENTS from Ellesmere Port and Neston have been given awards from the Fred Venables Higher Education Trust to help them meet the costs of higher education.
The trust was set up to celebrate the contribution made to the borough by the late Fred Venables, a councillor for 57 years and council leader for 39 years, who died in 2006 aged 82.
Cllr Venables was passionate that more young people should have the chance to study for a degree, regardless of their financial situation.
He was a chemist at Stanlow and, in recognition of his achievements, his employer Shell gave a commitment to finance awards for young people wishing to study science or other subjects.
Every year the Fred Venables Higher Education Trust gives grants to sixth-formers heading to university, now funded by Essar Oil.
At a ceremony at Neston High School, guest speakers honorary alderman Reg Chrimes and University of Chester vice chancellor Professor Tim Wheeler presented 11 students with awards of £500 each.
