Child chain gangs of North Korea exposed

A network of brave informers used hidden cameras to secretly record footage over the course of this year.

In one film – shot in the north east province of Ryanggang – a forlorn lad of around eight or nine, wearing an England football shirt, is ordered to break rocks at a cliff face.

Girls pair up as they struggle to lift heavy loads into piles. One young boy winces under the strain of his work.

Teachers shielding their faces from the glaring midday sun bark orders at other youngsters bent double from lugging sacks as big as their bodies.