AN aspiring astro-physicist from Farnham has started university with the support of a unique social mobility programme run by Lloyds Banking Group.

The Lloyds Scholars Programme offers talented young people from lower income households the opportunity to gain employability skills and experience alongside their degrees, in partnership with eight leading UK universities.

It offers students a complete package of financial support, paid internships and a business mentor while, in return, students must volunteer for at least 100 hours per year while participating on the programme.

Bethany Probert, a former pupil at Weydon School and Farnborough Sixth Form College, is one of 120 students supported by this year’s Lloyds Scholars Programme and will study physics with astrophysics at University of Bath.

She said: “Joining the Lloyds Scholars Programme has been one of the best experiences I’ve had since starting university. It’s given me so many opportunities that I wouldn’t have otherwise had.

“I’ve already volunteered with three different organisations including the Royal British Legion, and the work I’ve done has been very rewarding.

“The programme has played a key part in helping me settle into university life as it has helped me form connections with students in the years above, who really do look out for you, as well as giving me a unique chance to develop skills that will help me during my course such as time management.

“It also aided the transition from home life, as you’re surrounded by people with the same mind set as you, making things seem more familiar.

“The programme as a whole has just enhanced and improved my university experience no end, and every day is better than the last.”

Paul O’Neill, head of Lloyds Scholars and Employability, added: “We are thrilled to welcome this talented group of scholars to our programme. We look forward to working with them throughout their degrees and beyond, helping them to develop both academically and professionally.”

To find out more about Lloyds Scholars, visit the website www.lloyds-schol

ars.com.