A WELL-SPOKEN Maldon student has won best speaker for East Essex at a regional “Speak Out!” challenge.

Abigail Early, 14, who goes to Plume Academy, was last week crowned Best Speaker at the Jack Petchy “Speak Out!” Challenge regional final for East Essex.

The challenge is a programme run by Speakers Trust and funded by the Jack Petchey Foundation, which believes everybody should have the skills, confidence and desire to speak in public, and are dedicated to helping people of all ages and levels achieve this.

They are a registered charity, and work in partnership with the not-for-profit and social enterprise sectors – from prisons to schools, charities and community groups.

Abigail’s success came from her three minute speech “Terms and Conditions Apply” which she talked about how everyone can be equal and achieve their dreams no matter who they are or if they have a disability.

Her performance, which she gave on April 21, was voted on by a huge independent judging panel, including representatives from Colchester Institute and the University of Essex.

Abigail was presented with her award in London last week, and will be in the running to be crowned winner of the Grand Final alongside the 36 other regional finalists when the panel meets on May 22 to decide the strongest speaker.