STUDENTS from Bournemouth University are clearing their student debts by winning thousands of pounds on gameshows.

Sonja Stephen, 20, and David Iliffe, 22, both taking degree courses in Multimedia Journalism, appeared on television and at the same time won substantial cash prizes.

Sonja, originally from Dovercourt in Essex, appeared on Supermarket Sweep and managed to win £2,000 in the final.

She said: "I used to watch the programme all the time, and when I saw the address to write to on the screen I didn't hesitate to apply.

"I went on the show with my mum, and I couldn't believe it when we won. I went mad and kept jumping up and down.

"Our win was a complete fluke because before the show started we wandered around the supermarket, and I happened to notice the product we had to look for in the final clue.

"It was really nerve-racking. When you see the supermarket on television it looks really big and real, but in the studio everything looked so fake and the supermarket was really small At the end Dale Winton gave us both a huge hug and a kiss."

David Iliffe, from Cardiff, had winnings totalling almost £4,000 from the new show Dicing with Debt. The show, especially for students, is a chance to win money to pay off student loans.

He said: "I was so shocked when I won, it took a while to sink in. I only went along for the auditions at the University to keep my girlfriend company because she wanted to go for it.

"When they telephoned and asked if I was still interested, the money was a big incentive. Everyone was really pleased for me when I won.

"Half the money's in the bank so I can go travelling after I finish uni."

Both students are set to finish their degrees in June next year.