Ref. 307004-30FOR many graduates, university was three years of partying and backpacking, interrupted only by the occasional lecture.

But not so for Swindon's Hannah Marder.

Instead of whiling away her spare time in the Student Union bar, she was busy helping good causes.

And now the 20-year-old has been honoured in a new competition for university leavers.

Hannah, of Marlborough Road, was runner up in the Graduate of the Year awards, winning £2,000.

Judges were impressed by the amount of voluntary work she undertook while studying for an immunology degree at Bristol University.

When not in the laboratory, Hannah found time to run an after school club, do voluntary work with the Red Cross and fundraise for a hospice.

"I did find it quite difficult to balance my workload at times," said the former Churchfields School pupil.

"But I just love working with children and enjoyed the voluntary work so much."

The work was organised through the university's Student Community Action group.

Hannah's biggest commitment was running an after school activity group for children from deprived backgrounds.

Once a week, Hannah took a mini-bus full of youngsters to the cinema, swimming pool or bowling club.

During her final year, when she had to carry out research for a dissertation, she still found time to organise a Christmas party for 100 youngsters.

Besides her voluntary work, Hannah also represented classmates on a committee which met regularly with lecturers.

Hannah entered the competition run by student careers service Realworld and sponsored by Price Waterhouse Coopers while searching for jobs online.

"I completely forgot I had entered," she said.

"I was really surprised when the phone rang and I was told about the result."

The inscription on her award reads: "Celebrating a passionate, innovative and proactive student who has made the most of their time at university."

Having decided a career in immunology wasn't for her, Hannah is now looking for a job in management.

"Doing voluntary work meant I gained so many transferable skills, like teamwork and communication skills," she said.

For the time being, Hannah is working at the Jigsaw Day Nursery in Broome Manor.

She plans to use her cash award to pay for driving lessons and cover living expenses while looking for a job.

Her proud mother Avril, 50, said: "Hannah really deserves this, she worked really hard.

"She cares about other people, and loves to be busy."

Tamash Lal