A FORMER runner-up in the hit BBC television series The Apprentice was the guest of honour at Fulneck School’s annual speech day.

Claire Young appeared in series four of the programme and now runs her own business, ‘School Speakers’. She has also co-founded ‘Girls Out loud’, a social enterprise working with girls aged 11 to 18.

Ms. Young spoke passionately to the audience of governors, staff, parents, pupils and other invited guests about her journey from not speaking a single word until she was five years old to becoming a highly successful business owner and entrepreneur.

She encouraged all students at the independent school in Pudsey to have the confidence to be themselves, to not be afraid to take risks but most importantly to be happy in whatever careers they choose to pursue.

Following her speech Claire presented various prizes including Duke of Edinburgh Awards. She said: “It was a privilege to speak at the event and help celebrate the achievements of the wonderful pupils.”

Speech Day was also a special occasion for School Principal Deborah Newman (pictured with Ms Young) who is retiring at the end of the current academic year.

In her final address Mrs Newman said it had been a great honour to serve as Principal for the last six years and wished Fulneck continued success.