AN OXFORD college is hoping to increase applications from students from disadvantaged areas after receiving a £1.5m donation.

The money from Mike and Helen Danson’s The Danson Foundation to St Anne’s College will mean the college can offer an additional 35 to 40 bursaries each year.

And all students receiving a bursary will get a chance to apply for the Danson Mentoring Scheme, an opportunity to have five weeks of paid internships during the holiday before their final year, plus careers and mentoring advice.

Mike Danson is a law graduate of St Anne’s, who founded online information company Datamonitor.

St Anne’s principal Tim Gardam said: “Mike and Helen’s benefaction is a magnificent statement of support for all that St Anne’s stands for – our commitment to give opportunities to talented students whom Oxford otherwise might overlook.”