Kids Company charity founder and children's social justice campaigner dies aged 61

Camila Batmanghelidjh, who created the Kids Company children's charity and became one of the UK's best known and most powerful campaigners for disadvantaged youngsters, has died aged 61.

- Patrick Butler

Batmanghelidjh - known for her charisma, colourful attire and outspoken pursuit of social justice for children had been ill for many months, though she rallied in recent weeks. She died peacefully on New Year's Day, having celebrated her birthday with family and friends.

In a statement, her family said: "Camila dedicated her life to advocating for Britain's most vulnerable children. She was the founder of two ground-breaking charities, Place2Be and Kids Company, which pioneered new therapeutic and clinical models to achieve a singular goal: "To see children and young people become safe and able to realise their potential."

Born in Iran and educated in the UK, Batmanghelidjh rose to prominence after setting up Kids Company in south London in the late 1990s to provide support for youngsters scarred by poverty, abuse, trauma and gang violence.