A Tooting school boy has wowed judges with his ‘The Spectrum of Society’ speech.

Jacob Pines, a year 10 student at Graveney School, won the Wandsworth Regional Final of Jack Petchey’s ‘Speak Out’ Challenge, held on Friday, March 15, at Chesnut Grove Academy, Balham.

He said: “I am elated, I thought I was out of my depth.”

Jacob, along with 16 other contestants had to speak for three minutes in front of more than 100 people; he was commended by mayor of Wandsworth, Councillor Adrian Knowles.

Coun Knowles said: “I am just amazed at what these young people can do. The topics were so diverse and the views so personally held.”

The Jack Petchey challenge, now in its eighth year, is the largest public speaking event of its kind in the world, with over 18,000 students expected to compete in this year’s final.