A leading Midlands college group has announced the first recipient of a new scholarship - and it has gone to a student from Coalville.

Tom Horn, 20, has been named as the inaugural recipient of The Looi Trust scholarship for this academic year.

He is in his second year studying for a degree in Equine Therapy and Rehabilitation at Moreton Morrell College, which is part of college group WCG - formerly Warwickshire College Group - and will receive an award of £500 under the scheme.

He joined the college after being impressed with the equine therapy facilities, despite initially considering a degree in geography after leaving school.

Tom has been riding horses for more than five years, having first visited the local stable and riding centre for his sister's birthday.

The scholarship fund was created from an endowment made by Madame Gertrude Marsh-Looi, the widow of the college's first ever foreign student.

Mdm Marsh-Looi was a major supporter of the college and passed away in 2020 at the age of 92.

Her husband Eng San Looi was a keen botanist and the first foreign student at the college in 1949/1950.

The scholarship is for gifted students studying any subject at the College, and applicants will need to demonstrate excellence, exceptional commitment to their chosen subject and dedication to their chosen career path.

Meanwhile, a separate bursary is available and aims to support students with residential fees, course related costs or to provide further support to students in financial hardship.

After a competitive application process, Tom was selected for the scholarship prize.

Tom said: "I'm proud to be the first recipient of the Looi Trust scholarship. I first came across the scholarship program on the college social media channels and my tutor Mark Edwards really encouraged me to apply.

"The college and its staff have been so supportive and communicative during my studies and I can't thank them enough.

"After completing school, I initially wanted to study geography but after seeing the impressive equine therapy facilities at the college, I knew I had to change my plans. When I first visited the college, I was impressed by the wide-ranging expertise of staff.

"During my studies, I have really enjoyed learning about how to practically improve the horses' temperament, performance and wellbeing.

"I look forward to using the scholarship funds to enhance my education and further widen my knowledge base."

Angela Joyce, CEO of WCG, said: "We are really pleased to recognise Tom's dedication and excellence throughout his course, so are delighted to support his studies further with the scholarship program.

"Madame Gertrude Marsh-Looi was a huge supporter of the college and we're sure she would have been pleased to see the positive impact the scheme in her name is having on our students.

"Alongside our award-winning teaching, the scholarship program provides greater opportunities for our learners to engage with their chosen field."