PUBLIC speaking can be a daunting experience for anyone, but not for one young school pupil who has won a top competition for speech-making.

Fifteen-year-old Freya Verlander, a pupil at Roding Valley High School, in Loughton, beat off competition from 392 other year 10 students when she won the West Essex area final of the Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge.

Freya, who lives in Buckhurst Hill, has recently had a grandparent diagnosed with dementia, and impressed judges with her speech on the importance of respecting the elderly.

She said: “Nan’s got dementia and it’s a big issue for our family. More should be done to help families cope better.”

Freya received a full day of training in public speaking to help her prepare for the competition and will now go on to the national grand final in July.

Headteacher at Roding Valley Geoff Mangan said: “This is a great result for us, taking on students from Brentwood, Harlow and our own local schools. The training brought out the best in the speakers and we are all delighted that Freya won which has brought tremendous kudos to our pupils and staff.”

Runners-up in the competition was Efose Osaghae, from fellow Loughton school Debden Park High, who spoke about Lies, while third place was awarded to Jake Watts, from Passmores School & Technology College in Harlow, whose subject was Seeing Red.