A Peterborough student has been named as the runner-up in the Wicked Writers: Be the Change national writing competition.

Natalia Hrickova, a student at Thomas Deacon Academy Junior School in Peterborough, has been named as runner-up in the 9-11 age category

Her "persuasive" essay on teaching British Sign Language as a mandatory lesson in schools moved and inspired the judging panel.

Judges included award-winning High-Rise Mystery author, Sharna Jackson, Wicked star and former Blue Peter presenter Mark Curry, and CEO at the National Literacy Trust, Jonathan Douglas.

Children across the UK were asked to submit essays to make their voices heard about the things they would like to change for the better in society, with entries covering a range of subjects from climate change to clean water, and food banks to football.

Explaining why 10-year-old Natalia was chosen as the runner-up of her age group, the judges said: “It was a very emotional piece, speaking from the heart. Natalia tells us that our “hands are like superpowers” and asks us to all learn sign language as a call to action.”

Natalia was delighted to be named runner-up for her age group, saying, “Being a runner-up in this competition has made me feel so proud. It has given me confidence and demonstrated that deaf people can do anything.

"I hope my success will encourage others to learn BSL and inspire other deaf children and young people to go after their dreams.”

Natalia’s teacher, Emma Small, added, “Over the last three years, I have seen Natalia flourish despite many challenges and break through endless barriers.

"Her personal journey into her deaf identity through British Sign Language has opened up a whole new world for her to explore. She has a wonderful zest for language and an infectious excitement and curiosity towards new vocabulary."