Promising students at Wolverhampton University have received special scholarship awards in recognition of their excellence.

A total of 40 students were given Excellence Scholarships worth up to £2,000 in the categories of Sport and International.

The awards took place at Wolverhampton Science Park this week and were set up to recognise the achievements of students from all backgrounds who attend the university.

A number of the sports awards went to students with aspirations of taking part in the London 2012 Olympics.

The winners included synchronised swimmer Alexandra Barnett and boxer Jonathan Shaw, who is Midlands champion. Both were awarded a Sports Excellence Scholarship.

Professor Geoff Hurd, deputy vice-chancellor, presented each student with a commemorative certificate.

He said: “The Excellence Scholarship scheme allows the university to recognise the outstanding achievements of our students.”