Shehla Khan took second place in the Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge Regional Final which was held at Hounslow Manor School.

Year 10 student Shehla represented Heston Community School after being nominated by her fellow pupils for the speech she delivered in a public speaking workshop. The workshop was part of the Jack Pethchey Challenge which resulted in Shehla competing against the best public speakers from 12 schools throughout the Region.

Brentford and Isleworth MP, Mary Macleod, pictured with Shehla (second left) and prize-winners from other schools, presented the trophies.

Shehla was complimented on a passionate speech about being an independent Afghan woman.

Shehla said: "I was a bit nervous on stage but when I started to speak the nerves disappeared and I spoke from my heart.  The experience was a wonderful opportunity to boost my confidence even more."