Architecture student Nathan Caton has been crowned as Chortle’s second student comedian of the year.

The second-year Anglia Polytechnic undergraduate triumphed over eight other stand-ups who had made their way to last night’s final over a series of regional heats.

Caton, who has only been gigging a few months, cites his influences as Eddie Murphy, Chris Tucker and Richard Pryor.

And he impressed the panel of judges with his charismatic and assured delivery of material about being brought up by a tough West Indian mum, among other topics.

He narrowly beat Southampton University’s Luke Catterson, a second-year English student, into second place. Catterson’s set was slow to get going, but eventually produced some of the best lines of the night.

Judges also issued a special commendation for Essex University history and literature student Paul Byrne for his disturbingly surreal set.

Caton wins a place on the Amused Moose comedy course as part of his prize.

The other finalists were Ian Hunter,  Tony Richardson, Symon Garner, Idil Suka, Ben Travis and Kai Barron

Judging the event, held on the Tattershall Castle paddle steamer on the Thames, were Chortle editor Steve Bennett, Evening Standard critic Bruce Dessau, Bound & Gagged agent Brett Vincent, Laughing House promoter Alex Petty and award co-ordinator Stacy Squibb.

The 2006 competition will relaunch in the autumn term.

>> For a full review of the final