Fourteen teenagers took centre stage to speak up for change at the 2014 regional finals of the annual Jack Petchey Speak Out challenge, last week.

This year 20,000 year ten pupils from virtually schools all over London and Essex were given training in public speaking.

Each year, the teenagers are then given a chance to practice their new skills as they compete in the charity’s annual contest.

On December 10 speakers picked by their peers went head to head in the Waltham Forest regional round at Rushcroft Foundation School.

The 14-year-old contestants spoke out about issues which affect them and their families as well as their peers.

Some even took on complex political and social subjects from immigration and racism to bullying and euthanasia.

Eunice Neto from Leytonstone School came second for her speech titled ‘A change has to come’.

She spoke about police brutality and racism.

Dylan Roxburgh from the Frederick Bremer School came third for his speech on giving people the right to die.

The room erupted when winner Goncalo Abreu gave an impassioned speech titled ‘ironic ignorance’ about immigrants being abused.

He said: “Immigrants have made this country into what it is today. We would not be in this room today if it were not for immigrants.

“I am an immigrant and I am proud to be an immigrant.

“We are all equal and we do all deserve to be here.”

Goncalo Abreu will have a video of his speech sent off to be judged for a position in the grand final in July 2015.

He also won a £100 gift certificate.