ILMINSTER student Paul Drayton has won a prestigious award at Bath University.

Paul, 24, has been awarded the Student Employee of the Year Award from among the 10,000 students at the university.

The award was launched by the National Association of Student Employment Services, recognising that the majority of students find they have to work around study commitments to finance studies.

It was created to recognise and help promote the outstanding contributions and achievements of students who effectively combine part-time work with their study commitments. All nominations were submitted to an independent judging panel.

Paul was nominated by the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Wessex Setpoint. The university said: "He has been praised for his work as a university tour guide, ambassador and tutor.

"Paul gives the best and most detailed tour of the university to potential students. He is an essential part of our UCAS team and is one of the people with whom visiting applicants spend the most time. His enthusiasm and ability to answer any of their queries has been an important contribution to our continuing success in admissions."

Paul has also been praised for his attitude and quality of work: "He is a very positive young man with a strong personality. He is thorough and likes to be clear about what he is doing. He is keen to ensure that his work is of a very high standard."

Becky Gallagher, student employment co-ordinator for JobLink, the student employment service based within the Students' Union, said: "We are really thrilled that Paul won this award. He is obviously very highly regarded by his work colleagues."

A month ago Paul was awarded the Bath University Students' Union long service award for his contributions to the Department of Mechanical Engineering.

Paul is the only son of Rob and Carol Drayton, of Love Lane, Ilminster. He is in his sixth year at Bath having been awarded his Masters Degree in mechanical engineering last year. He has a further two years studying for his PhD, specialising in biomechanics.

TO cap a fine month Paul was also awarded second place in the students' garden of the year competition!