A TEENAGER’S inspiring speech about his role as an Anne Frank Ambassador earned him a national award along with a standing ovation.

Nathan Coatsworth received a gold award for outstanding achievement from engage in their future (CORRECT lowercase), an organisation which recognises and rewards achievement by young people from a specialist educational backgrounds.

Nathan was invited to the annual ceremony in Bristol earlier this month after giving a speech to more than 600 people at the Hilton Hotel, in London, explaining what it meant to be an Anne Frank Ambassador.

As an ambassador he is part of a network of young people who use Anne Frank’s story to spread a message of hope in schools.

Judges said they had received a record number of nominations of exceptional standard so Nathan’s school, Windlestone School in Chilton, County Durham, and his family were very proud of him.

During the ceremony he repeated the speech which received a standing ovation and many members of the audience later sought him out to congratulate him.

Teacher Ruth Sutton said: “Although tiring, the day was an unqualified success and Nathan was undoubtedly one of its stars.

“The ceremony was an uplifting and inspiring event which gave everyone present hope for the future and which reminded the adults in the room what a privilege it is to work with such talented, resilient and enthusiastic young people.”