Former Leeds College of Art student recognised for helping acid attack victims

Ria Sharma, who studied fashion at the college between 2011 and 2014, is the founder of an organisation called Make Love Not Scars.

The 23-year-old received the social impact prize at a British Council awards ceremony in New Delhi that saluted the achievements of people from India who have studied in the UK.

Ria said it was “an honour and a shock” to win, adding: “I am hoping that through this platform, I will be able to further my cause and come across more like-minded people.“

Leeds College of Art’s Prof Randall Whittaker, who attended the ceremony, said: “We are incredibly proud that Ria has been recognised for her commitment to women’s rights.”