A budding human rights reporter has scooped the top prize at the Amnesty Youth Awards.

Ciara Griffin, 11 of Merryhills Primary School in Enfield, was crowned Young Human Rights Reporter of the year for the upper primary category at the award in central London.

Hosted by Radio 1Xtra’s Nick Bright, Ciara beat off competition from across the country as more than 7,000 pupils from primary and secondary schools took part.

Each entrant is asked to write an article or report of up to 500 words on a human rights related issue.

Ciara said: “I can’t believe that I’ve won, it was a really important subject that I felt someone needed to speak out for.”

Kate Allen, Director of Amnesty International UK, added: “I thoroughly enjoy the Amnesty Youth Awards. It is so inspiring to see young people show such a passion and commitment for human rights. The quality of the writing has been simply outstanding.”