Mark, 21, and Mandy, 20,have both been recruited by Datel - the world's leading developer and manufacturer of video game enhancement products based in Stone - three months before graduating.

The couple, who have both graduated from the University's multi-media graphics course, joined Datel as graphic designers.

They work on interfaces for peripheral games products such as magazine cover discs or 'cheat discs' which help users find shortcuts when playing their electronic games.

Datel only had one vacant post when bosses received application forms from Mark and Mandy - unable to choose between the talented pair the firm decided to employ both. Mark, who's from Meir in Stoke-on-Trent, said:

We couldn't believe it - it's a dream come true. I've been playing computer games all my life so to work for a company like Datel is fantastic. After the very big players such as Sony and Microsoft, Datel is one of the most respected in the industry. This is a great opportunity for us both.

Mark Barnes

Mandy, from the Westlands in Newcastle-under-Lyme, added:

We were very surprised to be told we both had a job. It's been a lot of hard work the past three months, having to work full-time and complete our final year, but is has been well worth it.

Mandy Robinson

Mark and Mandy have been together four years after meeting at Newcastle College - part of the Staffordshire University Regional Federation (SURF) - where they were studying for a foundation course in art.