A campaigner fighting to eradicate female genital mutilation (FGM) has delivered her first talk to primary school children.

Hibo Wardere, an FGM survivor, who now visits schools to educate youngsters on the practice, spoke to pupils at Coppermill Primary School in Walthamstow on Tuesday (May 24).

Girls in Years 5 and 6 were invited to attend the talk, before getting the chance to put questions to Mrs Wardere.

Natasha Bharj, from Coppermill Primary School, said: “Hibo dealt with the girls' questions in a very sensitive and age-appropriate manner.

“We found her to be a very inspirational and highly personable lady and we will definitely be welcoming her back in the future.”

Mrs Wardere, who now lives in Walthamstow, moved to the UK from Somalia 27 years ago and was just six when she was forced by her family to be cut.

Figures show 66,000 girls are at risk from FGM in the UK, despite the practice being illegal since 1985.

A study by City University London earlier this year suggested the capital accounted for more than half of all reported cases of FGM in Britain.