More than 90% of children in England want a "commissioner" to fight for their rights, according to a survey undertaken by Unicef.

The findings follow last week's calls from the United Nations for Britain to outlaw the smacking of minors.

A children's commissioner has already been appointed in Wales and there are similar plans for Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The government has said it was waiting to monitor the success of these, before committing to a plan for England.

'Limited power'

Unicef, which campaigns for children's rights, received about 400 replies from children in England to a questionnaire asking about the need for their own commissioner.

A total of 92.2% said they were concerned no such role currently exists.

The UN raised the issue of a children's champion in a report published last Friday.

The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child said it was "deeply concerned" at the lack of an "independent human rights institution for children" in England.

It welcomed the appointment of a commissioner in Wales, but said devolution could limit their power.

'Rights neglected'

The findings from the survey will be handed in to Downing Street on Monday by 17-year-old Margaret Gibney, from Belfast, who last year received the Unicef UK Peace Person of the Year award.

She said: "This opinion poll is important because children have the right to express their views on issues that affect them.

"This right is being neglected, and the Unicef poll is a positive step in the right direction."

The government's Children and Young People's Unit said in a statement: "There are already a range of mechanisms in place to promote and protect children's interests in England.

"We need to be convinced that any new structures will make a real difference to the lives of children and young people."