A community charity is offering bursaries for medical students as they study to become doctors.

The John Weston Stretton Charity, which was launched in memory of three doctors, supports students from Worcestershire studying medicine at Cambridge University, Barts & The London School of Medicine, or the Three Counties Medical School in Worcester.

The charity has financially supported around 70 medical students since it began in 2013.

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One such beneficiary is Elizabeth, from Worcester, who graduated from Barts & The London School of Medicine in July and is now a Foundation Year One Resident Doctor at Hereford County Hospital.

She received £18,000 of funding from the charity between 2019 and 2024.

She said: "The application process was very easy, only one form each year and confirmation from the medical school that I was a student in the respective year.

"The funding helped me in endless ways – from using it towards my rent to paying for books, food and travel expenses living in London."

Another student, Chris Hallam, also from Worcester, has just started his second year at the Three Counties Medical School.

He received a £5,000 bursary in his first year and is set to receive funding for his second.

He said: "The financial support from the charity was a tremendous help during my first year of medical studies.

"It relieved a significant financial burden, allowing me to focus more on my education and less on financial stress.

"The support allowed me to invest in essential resources, such as textbooks, medical equipment, and exam preparation materials, which are crucial for success in my academic journey."

The charity was set up in memory of Samuel, Lionel, and John Stretton, who were significant figures in Kidderminster's medical history from 1856 until John's death in 1952.

All three trained at Cambridge and St Barts in London.

Once approved for funding, the bursary is available throughout a student's medical studies, which usually last six years.

An annual application is required, supported by a certificate of attendance from the university.

Applications are considered at meetings of the charity trustees, with the next meeting set for Monday, September 23.

Successful applicants will receive funding shortly after.

To submit an application, visit johnwestonstretton.org.uk.