A teen girl proved she was a star by wowing judges with a rousing speech about being a speck in the universe.

City Academy student Ferdosi Abbott, 14, won the Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge last week, fighting off 14 other finalists from Hackney schools.

The contestants had just one day of public speaking training before taking the microphone at Skinners Academy, Woodberry Grove, Woodberry downs.

Ferdosi, whose speech was about making an impact in the world no matter how small you are, said: “I felt overwhelmed and I couldn’t believe it when they called my name. It was a great experience and I loved having my voice heard!

She won a £100 gift certificate and a place in the July 4 grand final of the competition, which is run by Speakers Trust.