STUDENTS: they smoke, drink, have long hair, wear dirty jumpers and do hardly any work, right?

WRONG! Linda Chapman, from Blackpool, is 39 years old, has four children of school age and works weekends at a police station.

But she has still found the time not only to quash such a stereotype, but has also been short-listed for the National Student of the Year award.

Modest Linda would have happily kept her astonishing achievements under her hat, were it not for husband Des writing in to The Citizen to say how proud he is.

And next Tuesday (February15) Linda and Des will be travelling to London to hear the results of the competition.

Linda explained how it all began five years ago when she enrolled at Bispham College to study modules in psychology, computing, and criminology, and in her final year mathematics - all part time study as well as being a childminder.

She then went on to study a two-year HND in hotel catering and institutional management with culinary arts. She passed this with flying colours and also received a host of awards, including the Maurice Garside trophy for best first year student on the course and the Ian Higginson award for best all-round student.

Husband Des wrote: "She was then persuaded by her tutor to do a further two years to sit for a BA Hons in hospitality management which she is currently studying for."

Out of 21 modules Linda attained 16 distinctions, four merits and one pass and because of this she was then put forward for the regional heat of Student of the Year. This was held in Leeds in October and out of more than 400 entrants Linda won, ensuring entry at national level, which covers Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales.

All that's left for Linda now is to wait until next week when the winner will be announced. The ceremony will be hosted by Crimewatch host Nick Ross and Tracey Edwards, famous for sailing single-handed around the globe. The award itself will be presented by Sir Leonard Peach, so it promises to be a glamorous affair.

In fact, Linda could be heralding a double victory for Blackpool as Bispham college could also receive a trophy for their part in her achievements.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.