A CHARITABLE group has reached a major milestone giving more than £100,000 in bursaries.

The Hardyeans Club Charitable Association (HCCA), was set up by a group of past students from Hardye’s School in Dorchester to support students going into higher education. Formed in 2000, it is funded through donations and legacies from former students.

Its aim is to support the education of students and former students of the Thomas Hardye School who have gained a place at college or university and have been in receipt of the Government’s '16-19 Bursary Fund' but due to financial hardship need further help. Students have to be under the age of 25 to apply.

Since 2000, 55 students have received financial help at the beginning of each of the three years of their courses, which at present is £1,000 a year. When funds allow, HCCA has also been able to support students or ex-students travelling for educational research, visits abroad or internships.

Donations however large or small and legacies will be received gratefully by HCCA from former students of Hardye’s and the Thomas Hardye School so that the scope and breadth of bursaries and grants can be widened. Further information about how to do this can be found on the Hardyeans’ website.