Great Speech makers at St Marks

To the Jack Petchey Young Speaker awards this evening to help judge a young speaker's tournament. Some of the best student speech makers in West Essex were assembled in St Marks school giving speeches that electrified those present.

The standard was high and there were exceptional speeches from students from St Marks and Passmores. A young girl from a school in Romford - who won on the night - spoke movingly about 'fear'.

I have never been a judge before and felt really involved with the contest. It was particularly enjoyable, as this was my very first engagement as MP for Harlow. I have promised to take the winner to tea in the House of Commons. She thoroughly deserved it.

Apart from this event, it was an active day in Harlow. I went to see a debt counselling service in the morning (based in Old Harlow), which helps hundreds of people with financial difficulties. Later, I had an important and constructive meeting with Harlow Fire Officers to discuss the Berecroft fire. This was in advance of my surgery at Berecroft tomorrow evening.