An A level student from Richmond College won first place at the BAFTA Young Game Designers (YDG) awards and also received a 'thank you' letter from Prince William.

17-year-old Elizabeth Orji-Smith attended the BAFTA Young Game Designers (YGD) ceremony, where she won the ‘Game Concept Award’ for her contribution into the industry.

The talented student currently studies A Levels in Computer Science, Graphic Design and Maths at Richmond college.

Elizabeth said: “It is exciting, surprising, and I’m ecstatic to be a BAFTA Young Game Designers winner.

“My game concept came from a lot of different sources including friends and podcasts and I had had the idea of a heist game in my mind for a while."

The ninth annual YGD competition- for 15 to 18-year-olds, celebrates and acknowledges the creativity that is required when designing games.

Pince William - who is also the president of the BATFA, wrote a 'thank you' to all participants who entered the competition.

The Duke of Cambridge said: “This year the entries have an overwhelming social purpose to them, focusing on issues including mental health, climate change, conservation, disability, bereavement, and transgender rights.

“Many of the game ideas strive to educate players of all ages on the social issues they address, hoping to prompt real change in people’s lives.

“I think it is fantastic to see young people using games to express themselves and purposes that they identify with.”

The competition has been designed to show young people how valuable their creativity is within the gaming industry as well as demonstrate how rewarding a career in the gaming industry can be.

Dr. Jo Twist OBE, Chair of Games Committee at BAFTA said: “It is fantastic to see such a high calibre of games from upcoming creative talent being rewarded.

“It’s been another great year for the competition, and with previous winners having gone on to be BAFTA nominated, I can’t wait to see this year’s winners go out and make their own mark on the industry.”