Kirsty entered the art and poetry competition, which was launched by Animal Aid during its annual Veggie Month initiative in March. The competition – open to young people right across the UK - was on the theme of factory farming, following recent high profile consumer campaigns by celebrity chefs, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and Jamie Oliver.

Animal Aid received more than 1,500 entries from individuals and schools and was delighted by the extraordinarily high standard. Kirsty's poem was shortlisted in its age category (14-16) for its imagination, technique and understanding of the issue.

Says Animal Aid's Competition Organiser, Kelly Slade: 'Young people feel passionately about the fair treatment of animals and clearly recognise the inhumanity of factory farming. The artwork and poetry we received was exciting, imaginative and bold, and revealed a thoughtful and compassionate younger generation. I feel sure that such talent and commitment will continue to be used to benefit animals, people and the planet in the future.'