Two future teachers have won $6,000 scholarships from a parish council.

Hamilton Parish Council said Kalia Johnson, 20, and Tess Spencer, 22, impressed its scholarship committee with their drive and determination.

The council added that several applications were received for the scholarship.

A spokeswoman added: “The committee enjoyed meeting all the applicants and learning of their goals for the future.

“Academic achievement, community service and extracurricular activities were all taken into consideration but, in the end, the committee was in full agreement that two students stood out.”

The two winners both plan to enter the teaching profession.

Ms Johnson is a psychology student at King’s University in Edmonton, Canada, and Ms Spencer is studying English language at Mount St Vincent University in Halifax, Canada.