A DESIGN student has won a top prize for his website which allows users to create their own Japanese room.

Tom Hartshorn, who will graduate from Northumbria University's Multimedia Design course next month, won the prize for demonstrating excellence in innovation.

The award, sponsored by Telewest Business, netted Tom £750 for his Ko-Chi - meaning eastern wind - website. The Newcastle university's School of Design also received a donation of £1,000.

The site allows users to view Japanese furniture and even "create'' their own rooms on-line. By setting the flooring and walls, they are able to "drop in'' furniture, light and objects.

The site also encourages people to meditate in the on-line garden and explore the varied plants, animals and buildings.

Mr Hartshorn, 21, of Congleton, Cheshire, said: "The virtual design space would aid design by advising the user of where and how to place furniture using feng-shui principles," he said.

"I love Japanese furniture but I wanted the site to reflect the whole philosophy of Japanese thinking."

The award forms part of the Executors of Excellence programme, which links local companies with the university.