A NORTH-EAST sixth former who has been officially named as the country's best public speaker will have the honour of speaking at the Winston Churchill remembrance service this week.

Nathania Ewruje, a student at Stockton Sixth Form College, represented the North-East at the National Finals of the English Speaking Awards at Cambridge University last year and won the title of best public speaker in the country.

Now the 17-year-old has been chosen to deliver a reading at the remembrance service at the Houses of Parliament on Friday, January 30 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the wartime Prime Minister's death.

When she won the title Nathania had to write a speech based on a statement Winston Churchill made in 1953 when he said: "The power of man has grown in every sphere, except over himself."

The student will contribute to the service alongside the Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow.

Nathania said: “To be invited to speak at such a momentous occasion honouring Sir Winston Churchill is a huge opportunity and something I am really looking forward to.

“I’m very nervous but confident I can do the reading justice and pay tribute to Churchill in a fitting way.”

Joanna Bailey, Principal at Stockton Sixth Form College, said: “Nathania can deliver readings which are not only technically excellent, but warm, passionate and engaging. Being invited to commemorate Sir Winston Churchill at a national event is a remarkable opportunity and testament to Nathania’s exceptional talents.

“We are sure she will provide a stunning tribute.”