PARENTS and young people in Bolton are being urged to apply early for the weekly allowance for students who continue in education after their GCSEs.

The Government's education maintenance allowance is available to all 16-year-olds from households with incomes of £30,000 or less who stay on at school or go to college.

Payments of £10, £20 or £30 a week will go into their bank accounts in return for good attendance and commitment to their courses.

Education minister Ivan Lewis said: "We are giving young people the choice to stay on in further education and develop their talents."

For more information, call freephone on 080-810-16-2-19 or visit www.ema.dfes.gov.uk.