An FGM survivor turned campaigner has described a school as a ‘beacon of excellence’ in the fight to stamp out the practice.

Hibo Wardere, 45, who underwent FGM at just seven, urged schools across the country to follow the example set at by Buxton School in Leytonstone, yesterday.

She praised the school for being 'streets ahead' in terms of safeguarding young girl following a talk with Year 11 pupils on Thursday.

Ms Wardere who moved to the UK from Somalia 27 years ago, will return in May to give FGM support and prevention training to teachers and staff.

She said: "Buxton is the perfect example of where schools should aim to be. Rather than ignore the issue they are tackling it head on.

"They are a beacon of excellence, in terms of taking a pro-active approach to tackling this abuse. Others schools should see the example they have set and do the same.

"This is an issue that some are still afraid to tackle for fear of offending a certain group, or perhaps being labelled racist.

"But this is wrong because FGM is illegal, it has been for thirty years. It is child abuse, pure and simple.

Alia Al-Sarraj, 16, Leytonstone, was so moved by the talk she has vowed to start camp imaging against FGM.

She said: "After hearing Hibo’s story and the courage she has showed coming here and talking about what happened to her, it has made me want to get involved.

"I went up to her after to thank her because she has really inspired me."

Carol Moloney, Community and Extended Schools Leader, said: "Making sure that students are well informed about global, political and human rights issues is part of our ethos.

"This way students are able to make decisions based on their own experiences, make good choices about who they are and thrive within modern British culture.”

Around 130,000 women and girls are living with FGM in the UK.

A further 24,000 girls a year in the UK are at risk from FGM, which causes severe pain, bleeding, infertility and even death.

The NSPCC’s FGM helpline is for anyone concerned that a child's welfare is at risk or for people seeking advice, information or support.

Anyone who is worried can contact the helpline on 0800 028 3550 or email fgmhelp@nspcc.org.uk