ISLAMABAD, March 28: British High Commissioner Mark Lyall Grant awarded certificates to Chevening scholars for the year 2002-03 at a ceremony held here on Saturday. Speaking at a ceremony held in this regard at his residence , the high commissioner said the Chevening scholars acted as informal ambassadors of the UK, while contributing positively to their country's progress in various fields.

Some 850 Pakistani students have benefited from the scholarship scheme since its inception. The high commissioner's wife, Sheila Grant, spokesperson Tim Handley, staff of the British Council, including Nasir Kazmi and Murad Omer, inquired the scholars about their experiences of the UK.

The certificate distribution ceremony was followed by an alumni gala at a local hotel. In the sponsor's speeches, the audience were informed that the Middlesex University would offer six scholarships exclusively to the talented Pakistani students.