SOUTHAMPTON'S two universities have welcomed a Government announcement by city MP John Denham that more students will be eligible for maintenance grants from next year.

From September 2008, any student whose family earns less than £25,000 a year will be eligible for a full grant, worth more than £2,800.

At present full grants are only available to students from households earning less than £18,000.

Southampton University Students' Union vice-president Claire Chappell said: "By increasing the level of income assessment from £18,000 to £25,000 a greater number of students are eligible for the full grant which, in my view, can only be viewed as a positive step in the right direction.

"We hope that further steps forward can be taken in the future."

Southampton Solent University's community and adult learning co-ordinator, Geeta Uppal, said: "We welcome this increase in eligibility for full maintenance grants to cover university living costs.

"This will make university a more realistic option for students from modest and low income families."

Mr Denham yesterday used his first Commons appearance as Secretary of State for Universities to deliver the financial boost to students from poorer families.

The Labour MP for Southampton Itchen announced that, from next year, two-thirds of full-time students would receive a maintenance grant, compared with just over half now.

The increased eligibility for grants will lead to an extra 50,000 students every year benefiting from full grants to help them make ends meet while they study.