WIGHTLINK is helping young people under the care of the Isle of Wight Council to access further education opportunities on the mainland.

The new partnership between the ferry operator and the council will provide young people with Wightlink travel passes so they can commute to a mainland college which offers specialist courses currently unavailable on the Isle of Wight.

Up to five looked-after children are expected to be supported each year.

Cllr Paul Brading, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “I would like to express our thanks to Wightlink for their generous sponsorship of our young people.

"As a local authority we hope to offer every young person in our care the opportunity to access the very best educational provision.

"Through this partnership we hope to support more young people in our care to attend specialist courses of their choice which aren’t currently available on the Island.”

Wightlink chief executive Keith Greenfield said: "As a company, we already support young Islanders, through working with the Isle of Wight Youth Trust and providing discounted travel to gifted sportspeople through the council’s Talented Athlete scheme.

“We are delighted to extend this support to include young people looked after by the local authority to help them further their aspirations.”

Don't forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.