'CRUEL' CUTS MEAN BRAVE SAM HAS TO QUIT COLLEGE; EXCLUSIVE Council to rethink bus escort axe.

Byline: BY MARK SMITH

SCOTLAND'S bravest student has been forced to halt her studies after cuts by council chiefs.

Sammy Wood, 17, who recovered from deadly brain bug encephalitis at the age of three, had earned a place at college specialising in child care 30 miles from her home.

Dumfries and Galloway Council provided a travel escort in her first year on doctors' orders because Sammy is epileptic and has difficulty walking. The helper accompanied Sammy on the minibus from her home in Newton Stewart, Galloway, to John Niven College, Stranraer.

But after budget cuts the council withdrew the aid. As her doctor says she can't go alone she has had to stop her studies. Sammy said: "I desperately need to keep studying at college, as it's my chance to get qualifications and a job.

"I can't believe the council have just pulled the rug from under me. It's like all that effort going to school and college has been wasted."

Last night the council said they were reconsidering their decision after being contacted by the Scottish Daily Mirror.

A spokesman said: "Taking on board the information brought to us, the service will review the position and try to find a way forward that is mutually acceptable."

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BATTLE Sammy Wood fought off encephalitis at 3