Students from Manor CE Academy York took part in a public speaking event last Friday as part of the final module for the Archbishop of York Young Leaders Award.

The 22 students spoke on behalf of several charities, including Cancer Research, NSPCC, The Besom, Mind UK and Women for Women International.

The evening was attended by local MP Hugh Bayley and Councillor Janet Looker, Cabinet Member for Education, Children and Young People at York City Council.

Mr said: "Every one of these young people has something really interesting and important to say. They must use the leadership skills that they have learnt and their great powers of persuasion to make a difference to the world we live in."

The Young Leaders Award was developed by the Archbishop of York for school students to develop their community engagement and serve others.

Over the last two years, participants have gained experience running charity exhibitions, mentoring younger pupils in school, working in hospices in Romania and pitching Fairtrade ideas with Nestlé.

At the end of the presentations, the guests voted for their favourite speech supporting the NSPCC on the issue of child abuse. All the proceeds from the event were divided amongst the charities.

Young Leader student Xanthe Mitten said: "I felt exhilarated afterwards at how well the presentations went, and was really pleased with how we all performed. I'm just a bit sad now that we won't be presenting as a group again."

The students will submit their final papers for the Award in two weeks' time before their graduation at Bishopthorpe Palace.