The University of Southampton is to award bursaries of £60,000 to over 30 of elite young athletes - including ones from sixth form colleges.

The cash boost comes from two bursary schemes designed to support talented athletes in developing their future sporting careers, while continuing with their studies.

The Univer-sity of Southampton Sports Bursary Scheme is in its second year and supports University students who show outstanding sporting ability.

The bursaries aim to help the full development of individual academic and sporting talent.

Last year, three of the 15 students awarded bursaries competed in the Olympic Games in Athens - Robert Tobin, pictured left, in the 400 metres and Christina Bassadone and Katherine Hopson in sailing.

These students, with Chris Brittle, another bursary recipient for sailing, are now part of the UK Sport England World-Class Potential programme.

Their achievements will also be celebrated on March 18.

In 2005, University Sports Bursaries will be awarded to 12 University students. Benefits include a £500 grant, free membership of the University's sport and recreational facilities, personal training and the support of a dedicated sports mentor.

The second scheme, the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS), is a new Government initiative to support athletes who want to continue performance sport while studying. Students are nominated by their sport's national governing body and funding is channelled through the University.

This year the University will support 21 students through the TASS scheme - 15 University scholars (two of whom graduated from the Sports Bursary scheme last year) and six bursary students from local sixth form colleges assigned to the University for the scheme.

TASS bursaries are worth £3,000 for University athletes and £1,000 for sixth form students. They must be used for specified support including coaching and training, physiotherapy, mentoring, equipment, competition costs at national and international levels, and travel costs.

Professor Bill Wakeham, vice-chancellor of the University said: "I am delighted that the University continues to support the development of talented young sports people both through the TASS scheme and our own bursary scheme.

These awards help cover the cost of the variety of training and support activities needed to develop high-level sporting performance.

"As we bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games in London, it is encouraging to think that many of the young people here today may be representing their country in future Games and be competing at the very highest level in their chosen sport."

This year's awards are being made across a range of sports, from sailing and diving to athletics and shooting.