WALES: University offers pounds 2.5m to students.

BANGOR University has stepped up its bid to attract more students by offering a record pounds 2.5m in cash support.

University chiefs have unveiled a new bursaries and scholarships for next year just days ahead of a recruitment open day this weekend.

The package includes a new scheme worth up to pounds 1,000 a year to support students from families on low incomes, and another worth between pounds 250 and pounds 500 for students following part or all their course in Welsh.

And to boost a range of subjects, students studying chemistry, computer science, electronic engineering, modern languages and law will be offered bursaries of pounds 500.

Those who excel in entrance examinations could pick up scholarships of pounds 3,000.

Bangor is determined to build on this year's record intake of 2,200 new students which bucked a national downturn.

"The package should make university education within the reach of everyone who will benefit by gaining a degree qualification," said a university spokeswoman.

Professor Tom Corns, pro vice chancellor, said: "We're keen to ensure that higher education is as inclusive as possible, and that everyone who could benefit from following a degree course at Bangor should be able to do so."

"Bangor has an excellent teaching record and has a long tradition of inclusivity."