A Hackney teenager could win a £2,000 bursary after beating off stiff competition to make it through to the finals of a London-wide speaking competition.

Keema Toussaint, 14, from The Petchey Academy in Shacklewell Lane, Dalston, was picked the Hackney regional champion for Jack Petchey’s “Speak Out” Challenge!, out of 475 entrants.

She has now made it through to the grand final, where she will re-deliver her winning three-minute speech about change.

There will be 15 other young people competing against her for the chance to win £5,000, comprised of a £2,000 educational bursary and £3,000 for improvements to their school.

The final takes place at the Piccadilly Theatre in the West End on Monday July 14 at 7pm. Tickets are free but must be booked. For more information see www.speakoutchallenge.com.