THE cancellation of this year's Royal Isle of Wight County Show (RIWAS) has put a scholarship scheme on hold.

The Royal Isle of Wight Agricultural Society will this year be offering bursaries only through its Rural Careers Fund. In normal years both scholarships and bursaries are awarded.

David Groves, chairman of RIWAS, said: "With no income from the annual County Show, we have taken the decision to try to support as many young people as possible by focusing on the award of bursaries.

"It is our hope next year we will be able to once again offer both bursaries and the larger scholarships to full time students.

“This is an important part of the society’s work and we would encourage young people who are involved in the rural sector to take up this opportunity.”

Rural Careers Fund bursary applications are considered throughout the year with awards typically of £200 each. Application forms can be found on the RIWAS website HERE or by contacting the RIWAS office.

In the past, bursaries have been used to fund; a short course to learn a new skill, equipment needed to acquire a qualification, accreditation fees and other study costs.

For more details on the Rural Careers Fund contact the RIWAS Office 0845 2269098