A FORMER Grays college student has been awarded a prestigious scholarship award at the University of Lincoln.

Jessica Stark, 19, from Thurrock, who studied at Palmer’s College was awarded with an Excellence Scholarship, which is worth £1,000.

She said: “It was such a surprise when I found out that I’d won the award as I didn’t know the university did these scholarships.

“I’m so pleased to have been selected and I know my mum is so proud. There is a field trip that I’d love to go on during my third year so the money will really help with that.”