Two students are heading off to university after winning a prize scheme courtesy of London City Airport.

Both will benefit from the scheme which gives them financial help as well as management mentors and annual paid work placements. Since the scheme was launched in 2004, the airport has awarded 19 students from Newham, Tower Hamlets and Greenwich, grants of more than £200,000 in total.

Michelle Appeah, 18, from East Ham, will be studying Geography at the University of Leeds. Her ambition is to work in international relations to tackle geopolitical controversies, with the knowledge of environmental aspects.

She feels ‘fortunate and honoured’ to be selected for the scheme, which she feels will enable her to learn outside of university life and gain new experience.

Lorraine James, 19 from Stratford, will be studying German with Management Studies at the University of Central London. She wants to work in business consultancy and finance after graduating. She is ‘delighted’ to have been picked for the scheme, which she feels will give her opportunities to use her language skills.

Liam McKay, from London City Airport: “As one of the biggest employers and economic drivers in the area, the airport recognises its responsibility to the local community. The University Prize Scheme is designed to give a helping hand to young people from the local area who want to go to university to boost their career prospects. It also helps to up-skill people who may remain in the area and become future employees of the airport or other local businesses, or start companies of their own.”