PUBS and students go hand in hand but the difference for mature student Wendy Challans is remembering which side of the bar she should be on.

For the 29-year-old is not only a part-time student at the University of Teesside, she also manages the Black Lion pub in Sedgefield.

Wendy, who is married with four children, decided to go back into education after working since she was 16. She is now in her second year of a BA (Hons) leisure management degree at the university.

"Studying as a mature student with my family and work commitments has worked out better for me," she said.

"It has broadened my interests and I really look forward to coming out from behind the bar to go to university.