A HOME-EDUCATED girl from Maidstone tackled the controversial topic of euthanasia to win a top prize in a national essay writing competition.

Elizabeth Ashfield, 18, of Poplar Grove, Allington, took second prize in the contest, organised by the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children.

The A-level student, who has applied to read English at Oxford University, said: "I wasn't expecting to win at all. It is a fascinating subject, though, and one which I think it's really important for young people to get involved with."

Her essay examined the fears of handicapped and elderly people that they may be killed against their wishes if euthanasia were permitted. She concluded that their fears may be justified.

Elizabeth was presented with a cheque for £150 by Gary Streeter, Tory MP for south-west Devon, at a ceremony in London.

She intends to give half of her prize-money to the Good Counsel Network, a charity which helps expectant mothers and to put the rest towards a trip to see her sister in America.