OXFORD University has denied claims that it rejected Stormzy's offer of running a scholarship to support black students.

In August the grime artist launched a scholarship at Cambridge University, to help black students to pay their tuition fees.

The Stormzy Scholarship covers tuition fees and a maintenance grant for up to four years of an undergraduate course, initially for two students.

He has now allegedly claimed that Oxford University was first offered the chance to work alongside him with the scholarship, but did not take it further.

The hip hop artist made the comment on Wednesday evening at the Barbican Centre in London, according to an audience member.

Stormzy was speaking at the launch of his new publishing brand #Merky Books, which will help youngsters to become published authors.

Oxford University has denied that it turned his project offer down, however.

Writing on Twitter, the university said: "We have spoken with Stormzy's management and clarified we are keen to work with him further, whether this is through Oxford African and Caribbean Society or the University directly, on inspiring more young people to study at Oxford.

"We are absolutely not accusing Stormzy of lying. There was no developed proposal either to accept or decline, and we take responsibility for missing this opportunity.

"We recognise the importance of Stormzy's support and share his ambition in encouraging more black students to take up university education.

"We are speaking with his team to establish why we did not respond effectively and have assured Stormzy’s team we are very keen to talk further."

Last year Stormzy donated £9,000 to an Oxford University student to help her progress to Harvard, and was named 'person of the year' by Oxford African and Caribbean Society.

The university has said it is committed to widening access and participation for all students from under-represented backgrounds.