Sixteen students from Redbridge secondary schools found their voice last night in the regional final of the Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge.

A competition which saw the youngsters aged 14 and 15 speak for three minutes each on subjects from homophobia to support for British soldiers saw Marcello Harle Cowan claim the prize and go on to the grand final in central London in July 2.

Oaks Park High pupil Marcello’s speech was titled Real Friends and he impressed the judges, headed by Ilford North MP Lee Scott, with his self deprecating style and humour.

Last year’s Mayor of Redbridge Cllr Chris Cummins said of the regional final, which was held at Wanstead High School, Redbridge Lane West, Wanstead: “This is a wonderful competition that the Jack Petchey Foundation funds. I think it was an exceptionally high standard: so original, profound, with lots of humour – and the presentation was tremendous.”