Whiteley achieved national fame through Countdown

Whiteley, who spent most of his career in his native Yorkshire, died in Leeds last month aged 61.

Channel 4's Richard Whiteley Scholarship will be awarded each year to someone living in the region.

Worth nearly �11,000, it will fund training for someone who has the talent and ability to succeed in television.

Lasting tribute

The first scholarship will fund a place starting in October on a residential course in television production skills at the Artts Skillcentre at Bubwith near Selby which will also handle the application process.

Channel 4's chief executive Andy Duncan said: "We have created this scholarship as a lasting tribute, and I hope a fitting one, to Richard's memory.

"The scheme will provide practical support for emerging TV talent in Yorkshire, a region of which Richard was immensely proud and where, as we all know, he built his own TV career."

Whiteley's partner, Kathryn Apanowicz, said he was "a very hard working person" who would be thrilled with this tribute.

Countdown is made in Leeds for Channel 4 by ITV Yorkshire and was hosted by Whiteley from the first show in 1982 until his death.