A Wallington High School for Girls student took top honours in the Southwark final of Jack Petchey’s ‘Speak Out’ Challenge.

Ife Obakin, 14, gave a speech called ‘What is Normal?’ which won her an iPod and a chance to go through to the grand final of the Speak Out Challenge.

Miss Obakin said “Did I learn anything from the training, oh my gosh yes, I learnt that even when you think you won’t make it, there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

Runners up were Susanna Hartland, 15, from Nonsuch High School for Girls and third was Ellie Best, 14, from Cheam High School.

Judges included Tom Brake, MP for Carshalton and Wallington, Jane Evans, of the Jack Petchey Foundation and Kirushthiga Naguleswaren, Kingston Speak Out Champion 2009.

Chris Riggs, Acting Chief Constable Sutton Police said: “I was amazed by the high standard of all the entrants. If this is the quality of our young people today the country is in safe hands.”

The grand final is being held on July 9 at London’s Mermaid Conference and Events Centre.