A UNIVERSITY student from Tavistock has received a prestigious scholarship from the oil and gas industry, in a company's search for new talent.

Jennifer Shepherd was one of the latest batch of students who have secured a place in a prestigious scholarship programme funded by leading North Sea operator Talisman Energy UK Limited.

The Talisman Energy Postgraduate Scholarship will assist Jennifer with her MSc in Integrated Petroleum Geoscience at the University of Aberdeen.

The £80,000 scholarship programme was established to help attract more young people into the energy industry.

Talisman UK country manager John Forrest said: 'The world around us is changing fast and young people now more than ever have different expectations of work. As well as convincing them that the oil and gas industry is a fantastic career option, we also have to show we are a socially responsible company that operates in a safe and ethical way.

'I am hugely encouraged by the quality of applicants in 2010.

'I know many appreciate the financial support, but I believe the mentoring and networking opportunities that come through an association with a company like Talisman is equally if not more important to the young people.'