TWO Thurrock schoolgirls represented the borough at the regional final of the Jack Petchey Speak Out challenge.

Anne-Marie Kankam, 15, from the Harris Academy, Chafford Hundred, came second, while Grays Convent High School pupil Fega Fayefunmi, 15, was commended by judges for her speech after stepping in at the last minute.

The pair were whittled down from 870 students across 16 schools in Thurrock and Castle Point to take part in the challenge against 16 other pupils.

Fega’s speech, titled Why Do We Ask Questions, came in for special praise from judges.

A letter to her school from Elaine Powell, regional co–ordinator of the Speakers Trust, said: “I would like to offer our congratulations to Fega for not only stepping in at the last minute, which takes a huge amount of courage, but also for her outstanding speech performance. Her delivery was outstanding, she has a natural flair and the content was divine.”

Thurrock deputy mayor, councillor Sue Gray, along with the Castle Point mayor, councillor Jackie Govier, presented the awards to the winners at the event which took place at Castle View School, Canvey.

Ms Govier said: “Well done to Jack Petchey for sponsoring this incredible project.

“Years ago I took part in a public speaking competition myself and the confidence it gave me has been useful throughout my life. The young speakers here tonight make me feel optimistic about the future.”