THE TOP three public speakers scooped prizes in a regional final for one of the most prestigious speaking competitions.

Schools from North Essex took part in the Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge hosted by Notley High School and Braintree Sixth Form.

A total of 20 speakers gave a speech of up to three minutes on a topic they feel most passionate about, to an audience of about 150 people.

James Knock from Notley High School was crowned winner of the regional final, with his speech titled Silence is Golden.

Mr Knock, 15, said: "I feel really honoured, there were some amazing speeches and I'm so pleased to have won such a prestigious award.

"I was really nervous beforehand but as soon as I got up there it was so much fun and a really good experience."

He was followed by Charlotte Miller from Maltings Academy and Daisy Pearce-Allen from Forest Hall School, who took second and third place.

Miss Miller, 15, rehearsed a speech titled I am a Feminist.

She said: "I am really overwhelmed, it was so amazing and I'm so proud of everyone. It's a great opportunity.

"It was really scary being up there but it was exciting and I really enjoyed it."

Miss Pearce-Allen, 14, performed a speech she called Individuality vs. Conformity.

She said: "I'm so happy to have even placed as I was just a ball of nerves, I really did enjoy it.

"It was horrible being up there but amazing at the same time, it's the scariest thing I have ever done."

Mr Knock won a £100 gift certificate and a chance to go through to the Grand Final of the challenge, due to take place on Monday, July 4 at the Piccadilly Theatre.

Braintree councillor Vanessa Santomauro, who judged and presented the awards, said: "All speeches were delivered with real conviction and were thought provoking and inspirational.

"What a great way to display the youth of the district and hear and understand the issues affecting them.

"Each and every one of them will have a significant impact on the world, I have no doubt.”

The rest of the judges included Times reporter Katherine Palmer, public finance professional Graham Everard, community builder at Essex Fire and Rescue Service Lin Kettley, broadcast engineer at BBC News Alan Murdey, CEO of the Dancing Giraffe charity Susan Pattrick, and North Essex winner of the 2014 competition Scarlett Perrin.

The competition, delivered by the Speakers Trust, was held on Wednesday, April 27.