A Twickenham teenager could be going to the grand final of the world’s biggest youth speaking competition after taking top prize in a regional challenge.

The Speakout Challenge, run by the Jack Petchey Foundation, offers every secondary school in London and Essex workshops for Year 10 students.

Each year, the charity trains more than 18,000 young people to “speak out”, and more than 350 Richmond pupils took part in the challenge this year.

Alice Fraser, 15, scooped the £100 gift certificate on Monday for her speech of the frustration of being a lefty in a right-handed world.

After wowing the judges, the Twickenham School pupil will compete in the regional semi-finals in the hopes of getting to the final at Cambridge Theatre in Covent Garden on Monday, July 2.

Speaking after she won, Alice said: “Funnily enough I am completely lost for words.

“Good thing that didn’t happen on stage.

“I am so pleased to win. There was really some great speeches tonight and to be judged the best is a great honour.

“I am now looking forward to the next stage where I can represent my school and borough with pride.”

Alice was one of 17 students who took part in competition, which was held at Teddington School.

Judges included London Assembly member Tony Arbour and Martin Clifford-King from the Speakers Trust.

Mayor of Richmond, Councillor Lisa Blakemore, handed out the prizes.

She said “every single student was fantastic”, adding: “They tackled some really tough subjects with gusto and intelligence.

Mr Arbour said: “There are at least three potential Prime Ministers in this group.

“They were all fantastic.”

Second place went to Sienna Kelly-Todd, from Richmond Park Academy, while David Nool Baldonado, from Grey Court School, came third.