READERS have praised a talented Barrow Sixth Form College student who has won highly commended in an international law essay competition.

Aliyah Turner took the prize in the Minds Underground contest beating competition from more than 1400 students worldwide.

The 17-year-old, who is studying A Levels in law, English Literature and psychology at the Rating Lane campus, chose to write on the topic ‘If animals have rights, can nature have rights too?’ The former Dowdales student, who said her interest in law began as a teen after watching the blockbuster film Legally Blonde, said she was overjoyed to receive the award.

“I was buzzing to get the email to say my work was highly commended as the category is open to students all around the world,” she said.

“Studying a law degree at top universities can be very competitive and I entered because I wanted to stand out from the crowd in my UCAS applications,” she said. “I didn’t expect to do so well."

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Aliyah, who aspires to a career as a solicitor, said in her essay she used the example of an oil leak from a ship to discuss the impact this then had on nature, animals and humans and included the legislation put in place for animal rights.

Left impressed by the teen’s achievement, readers congratulated Aliyah on her huge success in the competition.

The Observer said: “Well done young lady, that is some achievement.”

Tony Angelino said: “A fantastic achievement, congratulations and well done young lady.”

Diane Parkinson said: “Aww congratulations.”

Sarah Ramsay said: “Awww superstar like her mamma Nicole Vergel De Dios.”

Proud mum Nicole Vergel De Dios shared her excitement over the accolade achieved by her daughter.

She said: “Super proud mum moment!”