Marie Reaveley received the accolade at the 'Best of Best' Awards dinner, held at Claridge's in London.

In addition to a crystal trophy, Marie wins £1,000 plus other benefits which were part of the prize package for all nine regional finalists, including £500 each, access to Women in Property's mentoring scheme, membership of the 1,600 strong Association and support in seeking a work placement.

The Women in Property National Student Awards were launched in 2007 to mark the 20th birthday of the Association.

Fuelled by their success, Women in Property ran the awards this year with 23 Universities putting forward their rising stars, a total of 38 of the most talented students from across the country.

The Awards are open to second year, female students studying a Built Environment Course and are run in conjunction with the Construction Youth Trust (CYT).

Marie said:

"This whole process has been brilliant from beginning to end … and I'm sure it's not over yet.

"Just going through the interview stages and having to present myself, my work and my opinions to some really high profile people in the world of property and construction has been a great, life-changing experience. It's been truly inspiring and now this. I'm completely thrilled!"

Jenny Taylor Smith, regional Chairman of Women in Property, said:

"Our warm congratulations go to Marie who is clearly an extraordinary young woman and will undoubtedly shine throughout her career.

"Yet, as we found at every stage of the very challenging judging process, we have been amazed and delighted by the standards demonstrated by these students so our congratulations and thanks go to all of them.

"The final judging involved some very tough decisions, such was the quality of all the finalists. They are all winners."

Alongside Marie the nine 2008 finalists were:

Joanne Bell, Glasgow Caledonian, studying Building Surveying
Anna Kirk, Nottingham Trent University, studying Real Estate Management
Ruth Manning, Cardiff School of Engineering, studying Civil and Environmental Engineering
Natalie Ponfield, UWE, studying Civil Engineering
Christine Saeverud, University of Westminster, studying Building Engineering
Charlotte Smith University of Wolverhampton, studying Commercial Management and Quantity Surveying
Kathryn Timmins, Manchester School of Architecture, studying Architecture
Niamh Treacy, Robert Gordon University, studying Architecture


All entrants were nominated by their universities, after which they were invited to present one piece of coursework to regional judging panels. The nine finalists were then interviewed by a final panel on the morning of the Best of Best dinner, when the national winner was decided.

Dr Aidan While, senior lecturer in the University of Sheffield's Department of Town and Regional Planning, said:

"We are all extremely proud of Marie. This a wonderful achievement, which recognises Marie's hard work and dedication to her studies.

"She is an excellent student who is an asset to the Department and the University. Hopefully her success will encourage prospective students to pursue a career in the built environment professions."