An Edge Hill journalism student's won a dream opportunity to work in the Olympics Press Office.

Emma Murphy has beat off many hopefuls to join the busy office in the summer to help them welcome the anticipated 5,600 members of the international press.

It was her energy, expertise and flair for writing that won over judges when they had to pick out up to 350 student volunteers from the thousands of talented applicants from across the country.

The 21-year-old from Portsmouth, who is in the final year of her degree course, said: "I couldn't believe it when I found out I'd been picked.

"I was running round the house screaming and phoning all the family. It's such an amazing opportunity and I'm sure it will open so many doors for me.

Being given this chance means that I will have the opportunity to learn about the Olympics and, more importantly, understand what goes into organising the facilities and services for thousands of journalists and photographers at the Games. It will be great to work alongside professionals and I'm sure I'll learn a lot from the experience!

The work of the Press Operations team enables journalists and photographers to provide the best possible coverage of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Emma will get involved in a number of tasks including providing news, reviews and quotes to enhance the media's coverage of the Games, interviewing athletes and acting as a point of contact for journalists.

She will have to go through rigorous training before the start of the Games but feels the skills she has learnt on her degree will stand her in good stead.

"The course has been brilliant for me," said Emma.

"Being taught by such experienced tutors in journalism has really developed my own skills, and although I'll be working in a press office and seeing a different side to journalism it will be a fantastic opportunity.

"I'm a bit nervous but excited about it all and I'm sure once I've been there a few days I'll be fine.

"I think one of the main difficulties for me will be the language barriers. It will be intense and challenging but so rewarding.

"I just can't wait for the opening ceremony now so that I can be a part of it all!"