A Braintree schoolgirl was praised by House of Commons speaker John Bercow after leading a debate in Parliament.

Alec Hunter pupil Chloe Stevens, 15, stood at the despatch box, where the Prime Minister usually stands to speak to the House, as part of a national Youth Parliament event.

She said: “The whole day was a fantastic once in a life time experience.

“To stand at the despatch box was absolutely amazing and I loved every moment of delivering my speech.

“John Bercow and all the House of Commons doorkeepers made us feel so welcome and special. It was a day I will never forget.”

Chloe spoke in favour of compulsory work experience placements for all teenagers, arguing that they could pick up skills at work which they might not be taught in school.

The debate, one of five which involved 457 members of the UK Youth Parliament, took place on Friday, November 14, and was chaired by John Bercow.

After her three minute speech Mr Bercow said: “Chloe, thank you very much, that was a dramatic start to our debate and hugely enjoyable.”

During the day Chloe also met Leader of the House of Commons William Hague and government minister Rob Wilson.