A UNIVERSITY student chosen to go on an exciting excavation in Egypt has been awarded a Millennium Bursary from Knutsford Town Council.

Abigail Chetham, who is in her second year at Durham University, is passionate about ancient civilisations and religions.

The former Knutsford Academy student will use the £565 bursary towards travel and research literature.

Abigail said: “I’m really excited to be able to take part in this excavation.

“The trip will not only help my dissertation and studies but will also provide me with skills which will help me when it comes to trying to get a job.”

The excavation is in the ancient city of Sais, modern Sa El Hagar, which was the capital of 26th Dynasty Egypt, between modern Cairo and Alexandria in the Nile Delta.

Abigail said: “The excavation is organised by the Egypt Exploration Society and Durham University and I was chosen to take part by one of my professors.

Knutsford Guardian: Abigail ChethamAbigail Chetham

“The bursary will fund my travel expenses, accommodation and sustenance, for which I’m so grateful.”

Abigail volunteered to work in Kenya before Covid, where she supported local communities in housing, education, and environmental projects.

An active member of her local Methodist church, she loves helping people.

Gifted Abigail is a keen musician and enjoys performing arts, dance, music and aerial arts.

The annual Millennium Bursary is awarded in partnership with Knutsford Lions.

Hope Philpott, who is studying History at the University of Oxford, received a runner-up prize of £200.

An aspiring journalist, Hope has written for the student newspaper and is also an ambassador, helping pupils from underrepresented backgrounds apply to Oxford.

Hope said: “I will use the money wisely and I’m looking forward to staying in Oxford over the summer.

The bursary was awarded following an interview with the mayor Cllr Stewart Gardiner and Knutsford Lions’ Lydia Kennedy.

Lydia said: “It was wonderful to speak with all the applicants, each of them bringing their own talents and plans for the future to the discussions.

“They would all have made great winners.

“We know that Abigail will bring her fantastic outlook with her for her planned excavation internship as well as in her future studies.

“We wish them all the best of luck for their next year at university.”