Students have never had the best of reputations but all that drinking, eating and entertaining generates nearly £19million for Barnet's economy.

A survey published by Middlesex University this week estimates the 5,108 students studying at the university's Hendon campus spend some £18.9million.

The study, carried out by Professor David North of the Centre for Enterprise and Economic Development Research, shows how vital students are to the borough's economy.

He estimates their expenditure supports almost 226 jobs which equates to one job for every 23 students.

Thousands of students based at the university's Trent Park campus in Southgate are likely to have a similar impact on the economy in the north of the borough.

"This study shows that Middlesex University has an important impact on the local economy via the spending power of its students," said Professor North.

Food and entertainment make up a major part of student spending, as well as rent, with students living all across the borough.

Sohail Razzaq, manager of Millennium Fried Chicken in Church Road, Hendon, said: "Seventy five per cent of our trade comes from students. During lunch time it is all students and without the university I am sure a lot of shops would close."

If expansion plans for a new £12million learning centre at the Hendon campus get the go ahead, hundreds of new student places will be created at Middlesex University in 2003.