A student from Orpington has received national acclaim after penning a heart-warming article on caring for the elderly.

Rachel Jacobs, 18, who’s studying for her A-Level’s at Darrick Wood School in Lovibonds Avenue, was one of three winners of Amnesty International’s Young Human Rights Reporter Award.

Her 500-piece, which she mentioned is very close to her heart, looks at how many of the country’s oldest citizens are often forgotten.

With over 7,000 entrants across various categories, Rachel bagged a runner up place and went to a ceremony at Amnesty International’s action centre in London last month. She was also given the opportunity to spend a day at a national newspaper's offices.

The budding writer said: “I am so proud of this achievement and I am very excited for the opportunities this will open up for me in the future.

“I have a very personal emotional connection to the piece I wrote so I feel very lucky to have been chosen in the top three.”

Her English teacher, Erdal Redjep, said she has the “makings of an excellent journalist”, adding: “We’re all incredibly proud of Rachel’s success.”