A student at Hereford Sixth Form College has become the first recipient of a leading sports bursary.

Sarah Bushnell was awarded the Matthew White Bursary as one of the most talented college sportspeople to go on to study at Loughborough University. The recipient of the £1,000 prize, seen as among the best netball players the college has ever produced, now plans to fight for a position in the university's 1st VII netball team.

The prize is donated by former student Matthew White and has been described by college principal Dr Jonathan Godfrey as 'the most generous assistance of its kind that the college has ever received'.

Matthew was one of the college's leading sportsmen from 1985-87 representing the college in 10 different sports before going on to study physical education, sport and recreation management at Loughborough. He donated the prize to help sixth form college students going on to study at Loughborough and to strengthen links between the two institutions. The £1,000 is designed to encourage students to maintain their sporting potential in the face of increased academic and financial pressure.

The bursary was presented to Sarah Bushnell by Matthew's mother Pamela White, a teacher at the sixth form college.

Rob Souter, Chair of College Governors said: "I hope the example set by Matthew White will be followed by other former students who similarly feel they have benefited greatly from the education received at the college and wish to further enhance its already high standing."