Telegraph & Argus readers have pledged money to help orphaned A-Level student Kirsty Oldfield continue her studies.

The 17-year-old, described by teachers as a role model, could be forced to quit school because she does not have enough money to live.

She has been struggling since the death of her parents within months of each other - living on part-time earnings and a £30 education grant.

She says she was told by a benefits advisor she would have to become pregnant to get more state support while she continues at Salt Grammar School in Baildon.

Since the exclusive report in yesterday's T&A, Kirsty has been approached by national newspapers and broadcasters, as well as Bradford businesses with offers of financial assistance.

Kirsty, who shares the bills at her home in Windhill, Shipley, with half sister Maggie and Maggie's boyfriend Andrew Roberts, said the response had been overwhelming.

She said: "There has been many, many people contacting me. It has gone a bit haywire."

Company director Mark Stothers, 45, of Nab Lane, Nab Wood, Shipley, has offered Kirsty £100 to help her continue her studies. Mr Stothers said he sympathised with Kirsty's story because his own daughter, Rebecca, 19, is now studying at Leeds University.

He said: "It is a sad indictment when people can get state money for all sorts of things but not to carry on their education.

"It struck a cord because my daughter is at university. I'm sure my daughter didn't even think about it and I never thought about it. It was just easy.

"It seems like it is more difficult for this girl and it would be terrible if, because of finance problems, her privilege of education is removed.

"I have put a cheque in the post for £100. It is not a lot of money but, if it helps the girl, it is going to a good cause."

Others have contacted the school with offers of monthly donations to help Kirsty get through her A-Levels and realise her ambitions of becoming a criminologist.

Max Robinson, Kirsty's former tutor at Salt Grammar, said: "There have been a few local people who have offered to give money on a monthly basis and our head teacher has now taken charge. It has gone absolutely mad but, at the end of the day, it is only one day and this could help Kirsty for the rest of her life."