A Wallington High School student beat 18,000 orators to claim second place in Europe’s largest youth speaking contest.
Yinka Ogunbiyi won a trophy and a £250 cheque after finishing as the runner-up in the Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge.
The 15-year-old impressed judges including Duncan Harison, winner of the BBC Two competition the Speaker, and Doom from Gladiators.
She said: “I could not believe it when I heard my name. The competition was a great experience and exciting. It was so close and I was nervous but hoped I was in with a chance. I am still in shock but so proud. I want to go shopping and put the rest of the money towards a Vespa scooter.”
Wayne Gordon, who plays Doom, said: “All the speakers were very inspiring, which made it very difficult to judge. Their confidence, self belief, delivery and charisma is a testament to the training.”
For more information go to speakoutchallenge.com.
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