STUDENTS considering studying at the University of Worcester can claim free travel on West Midlands Railway to attend an Open Day under a new pilot scheme.

Under the scheme, students can register their interest in attending the Open Day on Sunday 8 September with the university, who will provide details of how to claim free train travel on West Midlands Railway services only.

The free travel offer applies only to West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway services.

The offer is applicable to prospective students only.

In the case of students with disabilities requiring assistance to attend the Open Day, the free travel offer may be extended to the carer or support worker.

Jon Harris, integration and accessibility manager at West Midlands Railway, said: "We are committed to making rail travel sustainable and accessible for all our passengers.

"Our universities are a vital part of our communities and we are pleased to partner with the University of Worcester in piloting free travel on our services for prospective students attending this open day and will work with partners to monitor its success."

Ross Renton, pro vice chancellor at the University of Worcester, said: "Going to university is such a positive, transformational experience for the good when the right course and university is picked.

"We know how important Open Days are for prospective students as a chance to ask questions, speak to lecturers and to get a feel for whether it is the place for them.

"We are committed to the concept of inclusion and we hope these steps will help make travel costs less prohibitive for people visiting the University of Worcester, enabling them to see for themselves what we have to offer."

Students wishing to take advantage of the scheme should register attendance with the University of Worcester for an explanation of the process for obtaining a free one-day West Midlands Railway pass for the Open Day.