The horrific crime of female genital mutilation (FGM) is laid bare in a new play by an Isleworth student.

Zaynab Barok, who studies health and care at West Thames College , in Isleworth, wrote Imperfect Rose to raise awareness of the offence, which has affected an estimated 137,000 women across the UK.

It was performed on Thursday (December 10) as part of a charity day at the college, in London Road, held to help stamp out the cruel and illegal practice.

Zaynab said she was inspired to write the short play following a visit to the college by Forward, a charity committed to safeguarding the rights of African girls and women around the world.

"The play highlights the social pressures on family members when they're deciding whether to allow their children to undergo FGM," said the 18-year-old, who lives in Hounslow .

Imperfect Rose is performed at West Thames College in Isleworth

"I feel passionate about the issue because I come from Kenya and Yemen, where FGM is practised. In Yemen, there's a 23% rate of FGM.

"Many people say Muslims are the ones who do this but I'm a Muslim and I feel passionately that it's wrong.

"I think there is a lot of progress being made around the world to prevent FGM, especially thanks to the work of Forward."

Zaynab added that the play, produced with the help of media students at the college, and a cake sale held on the day had raised more than £200 for Forward UK.

This month, it emerged there had been more than 750 cases of FGM reported in London between July and September.