Sarah does homework to win flat

When Sarah Allen enrolled in a marketing course, she thought it would be a smart way to improve her career options and help her achieve her ambitions in the field of public relations. What she didn't imagine - and let's face it who would - was that doing her homework would pay off spectacularly and win her a stunning £200,000 flat, courtesy of the Evening Standard.

Ms Allen's incredible stroke of luck came when the tutor on her diploma course encouraged his students to experience some promotions from the point of view of the public. Eager to keep up with the class, she duly entered a handful of competitions, one of which was the Standard's "Win a riverside apartment" competition, which began in late March.

"Entering the competition was just a part of my homework," a staggered Ms Allen said today. "We were doing a module about sales promotions using prize draws. We needed to see how they worked, so I entered the Standard's competition to see what it was like."

It turned out to be a very, very good competition, for 27-year-old Ms Allen at least. Today she was handed the keys to her new flat in the Docklands' Virginia Quay. "My course tutor was a little amused, and I am sure a bit jealous as well, when he found out what had happened," she said.

For now, Ms Allen lives in a rented flat in London Bridge with her boyfriend Colin Davis, 28. "Part of the reason I like London Bridge is because it is by the Thames, so it is just great that the new place is as well," she said. "I like to spend most of my weekends just wandering around by the river so it is actually perfect for me."

After seeing the new flat for the first time, she told the Standard: "It is amazing. I am so pleased. The views from the balcony are fantastic. The flat is on the seventh floor and you can see the river on one side and the city on the other. I have only seen it for about 15 minutes so far, and it is just incredibly exciting. Because it is brand new, it doesn't need any work done on it. We are just going to take it slowly, furnish it nicely and enjoy it."

Originally from Surrey, Ms Allen has been living in London for the past five years and plans to move into her new home next month.

She added: "I was in a complete state of shock when I was told I had won. I spent the whole phone call saying, 'No, it can't be me.' Then I kept phoning back the woman in marketing to make sure I hadn't imagined it. She must think I'm crazy.

"To be honest I had completely forgotten that I ever entered. I just couldn't believe it when I was told I was the winner because I am a bit of a cynic when it comes to these competitions - I'm always convinced it's a fix. I just sent the stuff off and thought no more about it. I guess this proves me wrong, but I am not complaining.

"Colin can't believe what has happened. Like lots of people in London we found it hard to get on to the property ladder and we were hoping to buy a place next year after saving for a deposit. Now we don't have to."