University grants could be on the way back for Cornish students.

The council wants to give locals up to three thousand pounds to help with the cost of going to university.

How much is awarded will depend on things like household income, which courses are picked and at which university.

Bosses then plan to put the cash on a smartcard so it can only be used for things like food, travel, books and insurance.

Charlotte from Par is about to go into her final year at Cornwall College. She said, "It's fantastic. It's really good to know the council's behind us every step of the way. I think knowing that there's someone other than some giant scheme people that you've never met before behind you, that it's local and it's helping local people, which we really, really need."

She told Pirate FM she is already worried about how to afford Higher Education. "It's always money. If I decide to move away it's a lot of money to go, it's a lot of money to live, there are course fees and just having some of that weight lifted is really, really good"

Three million pounds has been set aside to help fund the bursary. It is hoped Europe and a new charity will pick up the rest of the bill.

Neil Burden is portfolio holder for Children's Services at County Hall. He said it is all about investing in Cornwall's economic future too, "A lot of people tend to come home in the end and what we'd like to think is that they will come back and stimulate the economy in Cornwall and it's a very small amount of money to pay to have someone open a new business in Cornwall.

"It's not big money but what it does is give the message and encourages people to use their skills. If you use your skills you get that higher education, you get that professionalism then what an asset it is to Cornwall, what an asset it is to your family and what an asset it is to yourself."

Cornwall would be the first local authority in England to offer the bursary. It is part of a wider project to give Cornish young people better opportunities.

Also on the cards are 200 apprenticeships and a link up with business organisations to promote graduate recruitment in the Duchy.

A decision will be made later this month.