SHARP-eyed schoolgirl Amy Coyle found herself whisked off to Rome thanks to her powers of observation.

Amy, 15, of Ushaw Moor, who studies at Deerness Valley School, was one of 12 winners of an internet Super Sleuth competition that tested entrants' powers of detection.

She and mother Carol had a trip to London where Amy and the other winners were treated to Christmas lunch by the Metropolitan Police at Scotland Yard.

The youngsters were also taken on a police launch up the Thames for another 'whodunnit' challenge and Amy was one of four winners.

Two days later the teenager was flying out to Rome for a four-day sight-seeing tour of the Italian capital's famous sights - including a tour of the country's parliament, which is normally closed to the public.

"It was the first time she had been abroad and she really enjoyed it,'' said Mrs Coyle.

"The Italian police met them at the airport and gave them an escort to the hotel. She had a fantastic time."