Winner - Southend mayor Daphne White and Declan Dillane
A TALENTED teenager is celebrating after winning the regional final of a public speaking contest.
Declan Dillane, from Westcliff High School for Boys, took top honours in the Essex area finals of the Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge.
He beat 325 Year 10 competitors from the 13 schools in south Essex.
Declan, 14, spoke on the subject of overcoming fears.
He said: "The competition has been a fantastic experience for me, especially as I won."
Alex Cass, Declan's teacher, said: "The Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge has been a wonderful experience for both my students and myself. "
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