A CHARITY set up in memory of a talented young student killed in a tragic accident is inviting applications for support.

Olivia Inspires aims to help young people in the New Forest to develop their potential.

It was launched in memory of former Bournemouth School for Girls head girl and Milford-on-Sea resident Olivia Burt.

Olivia was just 20-years-old when she died after suffering severe head injuries in a 'crushing' incident outside a nightclub in Durham in February last year.

She was a first year student at Durham University and was studying natural sciences.

Olivia's parents, Nigel and Paula, recently launched the charity at Lymington Sailing Club, where their daughter was a member and also part of the British sailing team.

Since then it has received support from a range of organisations including Curie House at Bournemouth School for Girls, which has made it their charity of the year.

Their support will see a number of events organised throughout the year starting with a charity quiz.

Olivia Inspires has also been chosen as a charity of the year by University College, which was Olivia’s college at Durham University. Lymington Town Sailing Club has also named Olivia Inspires as one of its supported charities.

Generous donations have been made by a number of individuals and organisations, including Gill Instruments, where Olivia worked on her gap year, the Beaulieu Beaufort Foundation and Bransgore Rotary Club.

A group of volunteers in Milford-on-Sea have also come together and are planning a series of fund raising events.

Olivia Inspires aims to allow her spirit to live on by helping young people aged 11 to 18 whose families live in the New Forest District Council area and who are facing financial hardship. Grants will be provided to help them develop their potential in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), the arts and sport.

Olivia’s father, Nigel Burt said: "We have been delighted by the support that the community has offered Olivia Inspires and without this we would not be able to offer the same level of support to the young people of the New Forest.

"Our priority now is to get the applications rolling in from the young people we want to help. We are in the process of visiting all of the secondary schools and colleges in the New Forest and explaining how Olivia Inspires can support their students. The applications have started to come through but we want lots more.

"You might need to buy new football boots, pay for music lessons, buy some equipment you need for your course, or go on a school trip to the theatre. Whatever it is, Olivia Inspires is here to support you. Don’t be afraid to contact us if you’re not sure whether or not we can help you."

To find out more, make an application for support or donate to the charity go to oliviainspires.org.uk.

You can follow the charity on Facebook @oliviainspires or Twitter @olivia_inspires.