Shocked 16-year-old Anna Panayides has been denied funding for her sixth form studies by the Government because it says she is too young.

The Malmesbury School student has had her application for Education Maintenance Allowance turned down by the Learning and Skills Council.

Her family's financial position means she would normally qualify for £30 a week, but the council has denied her funding this year because she is four days too young.

Anna turned 16 on September 4, the first day of school, but said she was told she had to be 16 by September 1 to receive any money.

While her classmates have been buying books, stationery and revision materials with their grants, she has to purchase items from her own pocket.

Anna, who was moved up a year in primary school, said the situation was ridiculous. "I think it is really wrong, the fact they are discriminating against my age," she said.

"We applied in the summer holidays and I got a letter back saying I couldn't get it because I was too young."

Anna is studying biology, physical education, English language and psychology.

"I have been asked to buy books, some of which cost about £20, and that's not including postage," she said.

"Everyone else is getting theirs using their EMA, but I can't.

"It makes you feel so annoyed and aggravated."

The Age Discrimination Act does not impact upon the EMA scheme, so Anna and her family have no course of action on that front.

Wiltshire County Council's director for children and education Carolyn Godfrey, student finance team manager Michael Gamble and Coun John Thomson have all supported her case.

Unfortunately, they have been unable to get the LSC to budge on its stance.

As a result of what it described as an "exceptional case" the council has decided to ringfence some money from its Learner Support Fund for Anna.

That will allow her to purchase books and other school equipment. She is expected to get the grant in the next month or so.