WINCHESTER students have proved they are the best in Britain at settling disputes.

Four law students from the University of Winchester won this year’s National Mediation Competition last month, beating 11 other teams from Scotland, Ireland and England.

The winning team were Steph Brown, Amy Gallagher, Kate Garrett and James Stephens, all members of the university Negotiation Society.

Final-year student Amy, of Knowle, said: “We are immensely proud and still a little shocked by our win. At first it was a little overwhelming as many of the other competitors were a lot further along in their education and careers. However as we relaxed into the day we became more comfortable and confident in our own abilities.”

The competition, supported by mediation business the ADR Group, saw teams take part in four rounds, with two students from each team facing off to put their skills into practice.

David Chalk, head of research and knowledge exchange for business, law and sport at Winchester, added: “Events like this offer an unrivalled opportunity for students to engage with professional mediators and legal practitioners and to receive direct feedback.”