A South East Cornwall student was invited to 10 Downing Street by Prime Minister David Cameron’s wife Samantha as a thank you for her work to combat bullying.

Nikita Bawden, who has been studying child care at Duchy College, Stoke Climsland, was invited because of her work with ChildLine and the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.

The 17-year-old became involved with the charities a year ago after being bullied at school. She now writes for ChildLine’s First News newspaper and website.

She was met by Piers Morgan, Samantha Cameron, actor James Norton and Dame Esther Rantzen. Nikita has just finished a BTEC in children’s play, learning and development at Duchy College and will be returning in September to start a degree. Her ambition is to one day work at the NSPCC’s headquarters.