A BUDDING young reporter from Chelmsford has scooped the runner-up award at a film festival.

Harriet Blyth, 10, won the Innovative Film category of the Haelo Film Festival 2017, which showcases the outstanding and original public sector films from across the UK.

Harriet’s film, “What on earth is a Vanguard?”, produced by Healthwatch Essex, was shortlisted alongside contributions from Rape Crisis Scotland and Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, who won with their “24 Hours in Maternity Care” film.

The concept behind the film was, if you can explain it to a 10-year-old, you can explain it to anyone.

Harriet interviews a range of heavy-hitters in the world of health and social care, and with her ‘no nonsense’ approach, forces them to simplify their language to help everyone understand what might otherwise be tricky issues to communicate.

Dr David Sollis, chief executive of Healthwatch Essex, said: “The Healthwatch Harriet films have proved an innovative way to get leaders in the health and care arena to talk plainly and honestly about decisions and initiatives that affect local people.”

This is one of three Healthwatch Harriet films - the latest ‘What on earth is Self-Care?’ launched only last week.

Harriet is delighted to have gained the recognition. She said: “It’s important to know what’s really going on and my mission is to find out.”