A STUDENT who used to play football for Petersfield has received a bursary from the Royal Television Society (RTS) to assist him with his studies.

Tim Payne (19), who went to Bohunt School, has also played for Liss, Liphook, and Pompey football clubs.

Tim, from Liss, is now studying Editing and Post Production at Ravensbourne in London, and he will receive £1,000 per year of his course from the RTS.

The bursaries aim to widen participation in media and related industries and support talented students from lower income backgrounds seeking to pursue a career in television.

In addition to receiving £1,000 per year of his course, Tim will receive free membership of the RTS and The Hospital Club – a private members club for those in the creative industries – while studying, and one year’s free membership of the RTS after he graduates. In Tim’s last year of study, the RTS will aim to set-up mentoring opportunities with one of its industry members.

Tim said: “I took up media at the start of Year 10, and my dad works in the industry.

“I’ve made my own videos since I was 14 years old and I’ve always taken my camera around with me as I’ve always enjoyed being creative.

“I did a media BTEC at Alton College for two years, and I learned so much there.

“I always had it in my head that I wanted to go to Ravensbourne. I heard about the bursary and I thought it was a fantastic opportunity for young people who want to work in the industry.

“I’m over the moon with the bursary and I will be eternally grateful for the help the RTS has given me.”

Tim started his three-year course at Ravensbourne earlier this month and is already enjoying himself.

“I’ve found all my lecturers interesting,” said Tim.

“I’ve settled in well and I’ve got a really great group of friends. I’m living at the student halls, which are in an ideal location. It’s been amazing so far and everyone at the university has been helpful.”

Despite making the move to London, Tim still considers Liss to be home.

“I went to school in Liss before going to Bohunt, and my family have lived in the same house in Liss all my life,” said Tim.

At the end of his course Tim hopes to secure his dream job in television.

“I’m realistic and I know I will have to start as a runner and work my way up, but I like to work hard for things.

“My dad started at the bottom as a runner and made his way up to be an editor, and that has inspired me.”