Streets ahead... Scots schoolgirl's invention a lifeline for homeless

A SCOTS schoolgirl who designed a solar-powered backpack with an electric blanket inside to help the homeless has been named on the first Time magazine Girls of the Year list.

- By Aine Fox

Rebecca Young, from Glasgow, was just 11 when she came up with the idea after becoming concerned about people sleeping on the streets during a freezing Scottish winter.

Now 12, she has been named alongside nine other girls from around the world, all recognised as being young leaders who inspire communities, as part of a list aimed at celebrating and empowering girls.

The Kelvinside Academy pupil described it as “cool and very unexpected” to be among those named, adding: “I'm honoured by the fact they wanted to include me on their Girls of the Year and hope other kids see it and decide to do their part in helping people.”