A YOUNG solicitor who was brought up in Sedbergh has been given a top law award for his work fighting for human rights.

Daniel Carey, 30, from Howgill, near Sedbergh, was named the New Solicitor of the Year by the Law Society for his work in Guatemala where he works protecting lawyers who fight human rights cases.

Mr Carey, who was educated at Settlebeck School, in Sedbergh, and Queen Katherine School, Kendal, said: "We physically accompany human rights defenders who are receiving threats to dissuade attackers. When we're not with them, we meet with people in positions of authority such as mayors, police chiefs, and ministers so that attackers can be made aware that they will have to face political consequences. We also have a network of MPs in the UK who can bring diplomatic pressure at a higher level."

In 2006 there were 14 murders and almost 300 attacks against human rights workers in Guatemala, and more than 6,000 murders nationwide.

For full storu see this week's Westmorland Gazette.