A MALVERN student who overcame dyslexia to excel at her studies has reached the final of a prestigious national award.

Shelley Wright, aged 26, of Hornyold Avenue, has difficulty writing but stunned business and finance tutors at the University of Brighton with her dedication and achievements.

Now Miss Wright is one of seven hopefuls shortlisted for the BTEC Higher National Achievement Award at the Edexcel Achievement in Education Awards 2003.

If she wins, she will receive £1,000 to spend on an educational activity or item of her choice. The winner will be announced on June 9.

Miss Wright will also be entered for the Outstanding Student of the Year Award, which is being judged by a celebrity panel including chef Antony Worrall-Thompson, Falklands veteran Simon Weston, newsreader Anne Dawson and former MP Martin Bell. The winner will receive £5,000 to spend on furthering their education when the awards are announced at a London ceremony on July 9.

"I was determined to commit myself to the course and overcome these obstacles," said Miss Wright.

"Overcoming the drawback of dyslexia has involved hard work and perseverance."