The student chosen to represent Merton at Jack Petchey 'Speak Out' final has been announced.

More than 400 Year 10 students received a one-day public speaking and communications training workshop before a champion was chosen at the regional final held at Ursuline High School.

In the end it was Jesse Osae from Harris Academy Merton who scooped top prize of a £100 gift certificate and the chance to go through to the grand final in July.

Jesse impressed the judges with a winning speech entitled “Appearances” where he talked about accepting yourself as you are.

Asked about the training and the competition, he said, “You can change your appearance any day but you only have one shot at leaving your mark in this world so make it count.”

Second place went to Charlotte Brown, 15, from Raynes Park High School with the speech “Periods: Pain and prejudice” while third place went to Neha Azmat, 15, from St Mark’s Church of England Academy with a speech entitled "I have not failed."