A STUDENT'S powers of persuasion have won her a prize in a national competition.

Laura Hunter, 17, of Chapel Street, Tantobie, came third in the Robin McNair prize, earning her £100. She travelled to London on Wednesday to collect her award at a presentation ceremony.

The prize is awarded to pupils and students, aged 15 to 18, who write essays on subjects such as abortion, embryo experimentation and euthanasia. It is given in memory of pro-life campaigner and World War II veteran, Squadron Leader Robin McNair, DFC and bar.

Laura, a student at Emmanuel College, Gateshead, wrote an essay on whether a doctor's duties to respect both the sanctity of life and a patient's right to refuse treatment were compatible.

She follows in the footsteps of former Emmanuel pupil, Helen Farrimond, who won first prize in last year's competition.

The contest is organised by the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children and judged by a panel of Christian thinkers including the Rt Revd Kieran Conry, Roman Catholic bishop of Arundel and Brighton.

Details of how to enter the competition can be found at www.spuc.org.uk/mcnair