A digital whizzkid has been named “student of the year” in a national competition for technology solutions to issues like the cost-of-living crisis, war in Ukraine and the global environment.

Kyle Clayton led one of two project teams from Barking and Dagenham College competing against students from all over the UK to present solutions at the finals of the Digital Skills contest, staged at Amazon Web Service HQ in Shoreditch.

Entries had been whittled down from 1,000 to just 120 from four colleges, with each team explaining their ideas.

“Seeing them receive awards was down to great teamwork,” college tutor Katie Morgan said. “Our IT and game art students developed very creative solutions for their projects.”

The teams from Barking and Dagenham won prizes for 'Best Reflection' led by Vlad Boishakov and 'Best Business Skills' led by Kyle.

Kyle won the 'Student of the Year' title as project leader of his team.

Digital Skills Project organiser Julia Von Klonowski said: “This is an example of education, business, government, police and charities working together providing opportunities for young people who wouldn’t normally receive such experience or training.”