Ford is investing £1 million in a new university scholarship programme which will sponsor 100 students over a three year period to foster a new generation of engineers, scientists and innovators.

The announcement was made at Ford’s centenary celebrations at London’s Science Museum to an audience of business leaders, employees and Ford dealer partners.

The Ford Blue Oval Scholarship Programme is supported by a new partnership between Ford of Britain and the Ford Motor Company Fund, the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company.

Joe Greenwell, chairman of Ford of Britain, said: “Ford of Britain is playing a key role in Ford’s global strategy, and continued investment in the UK will propel us forward into the next 100 years.

“The Ford Blue Oval Scholarship Programme will help encourage young people to study engineering, science and technology at university. These skills are fundamental to our future industrial base, the rebalancing of the UK economy and long term economic success.”