Epilepsy campaigner Zach, 12, praised by PM

Rishi Sunak described Zach's fundraising and campaigning as "incredibly inspiring"

A 12-year-old boy who successfully campaigned for a new anti-trolling law has received a special award from the prime minister.

Zach Eagling, from West Yorkshire, was maliciously targeted by online bullies who sent him flashing images in an attempt to trigger his epilepsy.

But after Zach raised awareness about the trolling, the government made such behaviour illegal last year.

The schoolboy, who has cerebral palsy, visited Parliament on Wednesday and met both Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer.

Mr Sunak presented Zach with a Points of Light award, which is given to volunteers who have made an outstanding contribution to their communities.

Speaking afterwards to BBC Look North, Zach said: "It was amazing to receive an award from the prime minister. It doesn't happen every day.

"To be stood on the doorstep of Number 10, it's pretty surreal."

12-year-old Zach visited Downing Street with his mother, Claire Keer, on Wednesday

Zach's Law was passed as part of the Online Safety Bill in September and makes it unlawful for people to deliberately send flashing images to people with epilepsy.

Zach, from Liversedge, received the images while he completed a charity walk challenge in aid of the Epilepsy Society.

Mr Sunak told Zach he was "incredibly inspiring".

Meeting him in Downing Street, he said: "No-one should have had to face the bullying you did, but in the face of that you went and then campaigned for change, and that's amazing.

"You got the law changed so no-one's going to go through what you went through and people will now have stronger protection online."

Mr Sunak added: "You should feel proud of what you've done."