A 16-year-old girl has been crowned Britain's best young vegetarian.

Caroline Butterwich, from Lutterworth, won a competition run by Vegetarians International Voice for Animals, or Viva, to find the most inspirational young vegetarians and vegans in the country.

Caroline said: "I'm surprised. I wasn't expecting it at all.

"I'm very proud. I love telling people that I'm vegan."

She was presented with her trophy and goodie bag of prizes by Viva youth campaigner, Fiona Galbraith, along with friend Piggles the pig.

She was nominated for the award by big sister Becky, who said: "Caroline often hands out leaflets at school and gets other students to sign petitions, spreading the message in every way possible.

"Despite being partially sighted, Caroline has raised lots of money for various animal charities doing things like vegan cake sales."

For more information visit:

www.viva.org.uk