Funny man Adam Hess is swapping studying for comedy after winning a prestigious award.

The 22-year-old, who has just graduated from the University of Sussex, said he was ‘a nervous wreck’ before his performance at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

But it paid off as a panel of judges awarded him the prestigious Student Comedian of the Year 2011.

He is following in the footsteps of finalists that include Inbetweeners star Simon Bird.

Adam lives in Brighton.

He receives £1,000 as well as the leg-up the career ladder the title will give him.

A fellow Brightonian Glenn Moore, 22, got the runner-up prize of £250.