UNDERGRADUATES are to offer would-be students the benefit of their experience via a helpline telephone service.

Durham University students have volunteered to give up their time on a rota basis to answer academic queries from pupils at local schools.

The Samaritans-style service is the brainchild of Emma Bradley-Nicholson, in her role as chairperson of the Durham Student Community Action (SCA) group.

Emma's idea impressed judges at the Times Student Awards, who named it as runner-up in the KPMG student business category.

Her convincing business plan landed her a £3,000 prize, while the SCA will receive £1,000 towards the running costs of the service.

"It came as a complete shock, I hadn't given the financial side of it much thought, so it was a nice surprise," said Emma, who attended last week's presentation ceremony in London.

"I was one of six finalists whittled down from about 30 or 40 entries. The final six were all at the presentation, and they announced the top three in reverse order, so I was pleased when I was announced as a runner-up."

Emma, a second year law student, said it could take several months to find further funding before the phone service is up and running.

But she said there were already enough volunteers to staff phone lines.

"We think there will be a big take-up of the service, from people doing GCSE studies and that sort of thing" she said.