A TEENAGER who studied how a terror attack changed the world will fly to New York to learn first-hand about the events of 9/11 from some of the city's most influential figures.

Daisy Bali, aged 14, was chosen from hundreds of young people to visit the Big Apple after writing an essay on “How did 9/11 change the world?” in a nationwide schools competition, designed to educate students about the causes and consequences of religious extremism, and promote tolerance through understanding.

Founded on the 10-year anniversary of the 9/11 events, the SINCE 9/11 charity asked pupils to write an essay or produce a short film answering the question.

Daisy impressed the judges with a thought-provoking short story from the perspective of the Freedom Tower, built over the remains of Ground Zero.

The Turton High School pupil said: “The message I tried to put across through my essay was that 9/11 can and will never be forgotten, not even a 1,766 foot building can fill the physical and emotional gap left behind. 9/11 happened, and it cannot be ignored.

“ It needs to be explored as the effects are still being felt today, not only in the United States but across the globe.

“No day shall erase it from the memory of time.”

She added: “It was amazing to get involved in the SINCE 9/11 competition. It’s crucial to study such an important piece of history, and I can’t believe I’ve won a trip to New York.

“I can’t wait to meet the other winners.”

Previous winners have met with Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly, Fire Commissioner Salvatore Cassano and former New York mayor Rudolph Giuliani, as well as visiting Ground Zero and the 9/11 Memorial.

Peter Rosengard, the Founder and Chairman of SINCE 9/11, said: “We launched our Education Programme and National Schools Competition in 2011 in order to create a legacy of hope out of tragedy.

“Many young people have confused ideas about the events surrounding 9/11. It is only through education that we can attempt to prevent a similar atrocity happening again.

“The entries we received this year were inspired, thoughtful and considered, and the winners of the competition are well deserved.

“Their entries demonstrated a profound understanding of the events, causes and consequences of 9/11. These students embody our message of encouraging toleration, respect and harmony between young people of all faiths, religions and races.”