My alma mater does it again

Duchess of Cornwall and Jeremy Paxman with the University of Manchester team, who are (from left to right); Tristan Burke (captain), Michael McKenna, Luke Kelly and Paul Joyce (PA)

I couldn't be prouder of the University of Manchester team, who won this year's University Challenge this week, as I, too, studied there.

And it's not just 2012 that has seen its students triumph – this is the third time that Manchester has been the champion in seven years. Without wishing to sound as though I have an educational chip on my shoulder, it cheers this alumnus to note that each win has been against an Oxbridge college.

The main reason this is so impressive is not just that my alma mater has kicked academic butt against its grander rivals, but that the Manchester students beat Oxford and Cambridge despite that the city of Manchester has way more fun things to do.

Which means that it will have taken an even greater effort to tear themselves away from the Union drinks offers and apply themselves to their learning. Well done, chaps.