AN Essex University graduate has been named one of the country’s top ten black rising stars.

Olamide Odanye, graduated from the university this summer after studying philosophy and politics, and just hours later was named a Rare Rising Star.

The awards celebrate black students across the UK and are held at the House of Commons.

Olamide was recognised for her extensive volunteering and mentoring work.

She moved to the UK from Nigeria aged nine and started volunteering at 14 working in sport and with The Salvation Army and Samaritans.

Olamide co-founded LIVE (Learn, Inspire, Visualise, Elevate) with her friend Kike Adediji.

The project is a mentoring programme for secondary school students from low socioeconomic backgrounds.

Olamide said: “I feel really excited to be named a Rare Rising Star, It was quite a shock to be named - my friend said she wanted to nominate me and I told her not to.

"In my head, I suppose I don't feel like an "award winner", so getting this recognition reminds me that what I'm doing is worth something and that I'm on the right path.

"I'm currently on the journey of discovering what's next.

"This award motivates me to continue the work we are doing at LIVE, as it is changing the lives of our young mentees."

Olamide is also an #IWill ambassador and has been appointed a Youth Policy Representative for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.

Rare Rising Stars, now in its 11th year, is an annual awards ceremony celebrating the UK’s top ten black African and Caribbean university students.

The awards aim to share positive stories about black students, creating role models for future generations.