A TEACHER has written a book to help students apply for a place at university.

Paul Telfer, from Nether Silton, near Osmotherley, North Yorkshire, wrote down tips for students at Yarm School, near Stockton, where he works.

The sixth-formers were so impressed they persuaded him to publish it.

Personal Statements: How to Write an Ucas Personal Statement was published in June and is already at the end of its first 1,000 print run.

The book guides students through a step-by-step process to writing their personal statement.

The experienced teacher writes regularly for BBC radio.

He won a Royal Television Society award for best short drama with his play Starman, in 2002.

He said: "The personal statement helps convince university admissions officers that an applicant should be accepted before hundreds or even thousands of others.

"It is a life-shaping document; a letter, a job application, a CV and an interview all in one.

"Not surprisingly, most students find the task daunting and hugely time-consuming."

The book costs £19.99. To buy a copy, visit www. perfectstatements.co.uk