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A Caerphilly-based butter producer has announced it will be giving 2% of its yearly profits towards bursaries to help disadvantaged young students to attend university.

The money will go towards helping students who have excelled in STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and maths) but might not be able to fully support themselves through further education.

Castle Dairies, which is based on Pontygwindy Industrial Estate, will be working with Community Foundation Wales, which awards more than £2.6m worth of grants to charities and community groups across Wales each year.

Nigel Lloyd, managing director at Castle Dairies, said he hopes other private companies in Wales will follow suit.

He said: “I have been struck by how much of the burden of this pandemic has fallen on the shoulders of our younger members of society. 

“The pandemic has exposed a gap between those children lucky enough to live in well-resourced households and those who struggle to gain access to some of the resources that are essential to progressing their educational journey. 

“Castle Dairies wants to help support those young adults who despite significant hurdles choose to progress into higher education.

He added: “We are proud to be working with Community Foundation Wales to provide financial assistance to those who qualify and help assist them through their further education.  

“It is our hope that these individuals can go on to progress their own careers and make a positive contribution to both their local communities and the broader society at large.’’

Katy Hales, of Community Foundation Wales, said she was “absolutely delighted” to be working with Castle Dairies.

She said: “Opening a fund with Community Foundation Wales is not just about fulfilling a corporate social responsibility agenda, or simply a tick box exercise to reassure shareholders.

“It is a way of demonstrating that Castle Dairies cares about Wales and wants to help disadvantaged people, who are struggling now more than ever, in a tangible way. 

“We look forward to supporting Castle Dairies to fund STEM students in Caerphilly, who might not otherwise have the chance to fulfil their potential.”