YOUNG people from Thurrock shone in the recent Thurrock and Castle Point region final of the Jack Petchey Speak Out final.

Runner-up was Tamara Olanrewaju, representing The Gateway Academy, while Rabia Zulfiqar from Mossbourne Fobbing Academy was third.

The Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge, a renowned programme designed to build young people's confidence and public speaking skills, has provided both students with a valuable platform to develop their voices and share their perspectives.

The prestigious event brought together talented young speakers from across Essex, providing them with a platform to share their ideas, passions and stories.

Though just three went away with trophies, everyone of the 14 students who took part were declared winners.

Ormiston Park Academy year ten student Michelle Rydell.

Among them was Ormiston Park Academy year ten student Michelle Rydell represented the school with an inspiring speech titled "Music Unites Us".

Like all the other finalists, Michelle's journey to the final began with a full-day public speaking workshop alongside 60 other Year 10 students. After delivering her speech in a Year 8 assembly, she was selected to represent Ormiston Park Academy.

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Ormiston principal Munira Said praised her, saying: "Michelle represented our academy brilliantly. Her passion for the power of music shone through in her speech, and we couldn't be prouder. Public speaking is an essential skill.

"The performance of Michelle and the other young people was a wonderful example of what young people can achieve when given the chance to be heard."

Check out the photographic galleries from the event here.