STUDENTS from poorer backgrounds in Bolton are being urged to apply for a place at Oxford University.

Posters have been placed in schools across the borough telling pupils: "It's not what's in your pocket, it's what's in your head."

The campaign tells students they could qualify for a bursary.

Posters will be displayed at sites at Smithills School; Bolton Sixth Form College North Campus; Mount St Joseph School, Farnworth; Rivington and Blackrod High School, Horwich; and Fred Longworth High School, Tyldesley.

Oxford Opportunity Bursaries are worth up to £10,000 over three years or £13,000 over four years.

Oxford's vice-chancellor, Dr John Hood, added: "We know there are many talented students across the UK who are put off applying because they think they can't afford to study at Oxford, or that Oxford isn't for people from their school or town."

To find out more about the bursaries, visit www.OxfordOpportunity.com of phone the universitys local rate advice line on 0845 123 67 68.