A new Government initiative to pay students to stay at school will help many Keighley families, claims MP Ann Cryer.

Mrs Cryer believes too many parents in the town are withdrawing their children from school or allowing them to leave before they have qualifications to get a job.

The Government's Education Maintenance Allowance will provide up to £30 a week to youngsters who stay at school beyond 16. But they will have to agree a learning regime.

Mrs Cryer, Labour MP for Keighley and Ilkley, said: "I hope it will encourage parents on low incomes to find out about the schemes and how it will apply to them before taking any steps which could affect the economic well-being of their family."

Bradford district has been selected by the Department for Education and Employment as one of the areas eligible to take part in the scheme.

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