An 18-year-old who was so shocked after watching reports on the conflict in Syria decided to do something about it and raise money to help the relief effort.

Khadijah Begum said after seeing the humanitarian crisis in Syria on the news she wanted to do something to help.

Together with her friend Maryam Mahmood, 17, they baked 200 cupcakes, each artfully decorated, and set up a stand to raise money.

They sold the cakes outside Ibrahim Halal Butchers in Ilford Lane, Ilford and managed to raise more than £300 earlier this month.

“We did it because of what we have seen on television - we wanted to help them out,” said Khadijah who is on a gap year before starting a childcare course at Redbridge College, Barley Lane, Little Heath.

For her efforts in helping those in need, Khadijah has been nominated for the monthly Exchange Ilford-sponsored Recorder/Redbridge Rotary Club Young Citizen Award.

The money is going to be donated to the Syria Appeal run by Islamic Relief.

The charity says that during the conflict an estimated 100,000 people have died and the conflict has created more than 1.5 million refugees.

Islamic Relief provides medical aid including field hospitals and 30 ambulances, food and clothing parcels, hygiene kits and even shower units for refugee camps.

Khadijah said she used Facebook and Twitter to advertise the sale and was impressed by how many people came to donate money to the appeal.

“People came from far away to show their support,” she added.

Each month, a winner a winner is selected for the Young Citizen Award and receives £40 to spend at an Exchange Ilford shop of their choice.

An annual winner of the award, which is open to anyone under 25, is chosen and will receive £400.

To nominate a young person for an award email newsdesk@ilfordrecorder.co.uk.