Two sixth-form students on their way to university this autumn have been awarded the third annual Bridport Literary Festival Bursary.

India Murless, who went to Beaminster School, and Bailey Prowse, who attended the Sir John Colfox School, will both receive £3,000 for each of the three years of their degree course.

BridLit trustee Deirdre Coates said: “We interviewed the six shortlisted candidates. After meeting them all. the selection committee agonised for a long time, trying to decide which of the group of astonishingly talented and worthy candidates should be given the award. 

“Not only did they have excellent A level results and a clear love of their chosen subject, but they also had been involved in many activities outside school which benefitted their local community.

“We are sure that they will all go on to great careers and make the best of every opportunity open to them.”

India has a place to read Biomedical Sciences at Imperial College, London, and Bailey will read Computer Science and Forensics at Cardiff University. 

Mrs Coates added: “We wish them well. I am enormously proud that the festival, along with our two very generous donors, have been able to help them in this way.”

The 21st BridLit takes place in venues in and around the town from 2 to 8 November.

Among the speakers are bestselling novelist Andrew O’Hagan, foreign correspondent Lyse Doucet in conversation with Lindsey Hilsum, Slow Horses creator Mick Herron in conversation with Broadchurch creator Chris Chibnall, actor Martin Clunes, broadcaster John Suchet on Beethoven, historian Tracy Borman and retail guru Mary Portas. 

They join politicians, gardeners, poets, nature writers, biographers, artists, children’s authors and young people for the week-long festival.

For more information, visit bridlit.com or pick up a programme at Bridport Tourist Information Centre, where you can also buy tickets in person or on the phone 01308 424901.

 

Photo caption: BridLit chairman Stuart Rock with bursary winners India Murless and Bailey Prowse. Picture by Graham Shackleton.