A medical student has been awarded a fully-funded scholarship.

Laiba Hussain, from Bolton, has just commenced her first year of studies at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan).

She has been selected to receive the Livesey Scholarship.

She said: "Growing up with a younger cousin who suffers from cerebral palsy, I witnessed first-hand the strain this had on the family, and the adversities they have had to overcome to raise a child with a motor disability.

"Along with this, seeing the level of care given to them enabled me to see both sides of medicine, further cementing my decision to pursue this career."

The former Little Lever School and Holy Cross Sixth Form student will see her tuition fees paid for the duration of her five-year Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) degree course.

She said: "It was a dream come true to have the opportunity to study medicine, and then to receive the scholarship at the end of it all felt as if I was living a dream within a dream.

"It truly felt surreal.

"This journey has been long but rewarding.

"I am indebted to my family for continuously supporting me through this process and I am extremely grateful to the University of Central Lancashire for providing me with a platform to define my worth and make a positive impact to humanity, whilst taking away the financial burden."

Laiba was chosen after completing the UCLan Scholars Programme – Livesey Medicine Pathway, which was developed to help North West-based students from backgrounds that are under-represented at universities.

She said: "Being a part of the university’s scholar’s programme, in which I composed an essay on AI in neurosurgery, has helped me develop many key skills that will not only help me during my time at university but also as a future healthcare professional.

"To be provided with this opportunity at a time when I was struggling to find work experience helped me significantly."