Jockey's fire victim scholarship

Paul Pickard rode 30 winners during the 2009 flat season on turf

The first beneficiary of a scholarship set up in the memory of two young jockeys who were killed in a fire in North Yorkshire has been named.

Apprentice jockey Paul Pickard, 22, is to receive the Kyne-Wilson Scholarship from Beverley Racecourse which will support him in his career for a year.

The award is named after Jamie Kyne, 18, and Jan Wilson, 19, who died in flats in Norton on 5 September.

Mr Pickard, who knew the pair, said the scholarship was "a great honour".

Under the scheme, which was backed by the parents of both Mr Kyne and Miss Wilson, Mr Pickard will be helped with his riding clothing, fitness, raising his profile in the racing world and will even receive driving lessons.

Mr Pickard, who is based with North Yorkshire-based trainer Paul Midgley, said: "It is a great honour to be the first recipient of the Kyne-Wilson Scholarship.

Jamie Kyne and Jan Wilson were killed when fire broke out at flats in Norton

"Jamie was a great friend, and I rode against Jan several times, and both are sadly missed in the weighing room."

The jockey, who rode 30 winners during the 2009 flat season on turf, added: "I intend to do the pair of them proud".

Sally Iggulden of Beverley Racecourse said: "Paul was chosen for the dedication he has shown to the sport from a young age, and with the support of Paul Midgley, I'm confident he will do the scholarship proud in this, its inaugural year."

Peter William Brown, 37, from Malton, has been remanded in custody charged with the deaths of Mr Kyne and Miss Wilson.