First-time video blogger chosen from 15 finalists as capital’s best

A 23-year-old who tackled depression and dropped out of university has been named London’s best new vlogger.

Abigail Holsborough beat 1,000 young people to be crowned this year’s Vlogstar Challenge champion.

Judges from Media Trust, the Jack Petchey Foundation, YouTube, and the Evening Standard voted Abigail’s video blog the winner out of 15 finalists at an event held at Bafta headquarters in Piccadilly at the weekend.

Abigail, who had not made vlogs before entering the competition, won £500 of filming equipment with her entry, Confessions Of An Advertising Intern.

She will receive mentoring and channel development advice from experts at YouTube, and the use of the YouTube Space London.

She said: “Winning was unexpected, but I’ve really enjoyed the process.”

Media Trust offered an interactive workshop for young people in youth organisations in the capital where they learnt how to create video blogs. The best were then selected for the final.

The Prince’s Trust, which encouraged Abigail to enter the contest, will be awarded £2,000 by the Jack Petchey Foundation.