FORMER printer Raymond Smith is hoping for a new career in speech synthesis after winning a bursary to carry on his studies.

Raymond, of Dove Lane, Darwen, has started research studies in the art of speech synthesis after gaining a £2,350 bursary to pay his fees by the University of Central Lancashire.

Raymond, a father-of-two, is one of only nine students chosen for the bursaries - the first the university has ever given out.

During his year of study, which will earn Raymond a Bachelor of Philosophy qualification, he will carry out research into voices and compile records similar to those used by computerised voices such as the speaking clock.

Raymond gave up work to look after his son Krishan, who is now four, before beginning a combined degree at the university in linguistics with German.

After obtaining a 2:1 qualification he was encouraged to apply for the bursary.

Raymond said: "I am pleased to have obtained the bursary and couldn't have continued to study without it."

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