Ely-based education consultant, Peter Harris, has played a part in enabling two Cambodian students to make the trip of a lifetime to Britain.

Mr Harris joined Cambodia’s education minister, Dr Touch Visalsok, and Kathryn Scheding Longhurst, wife of the British Ambassador to Cambodia, Bill Longhurst, to judge the Springboard English Speaking Championship which attracted 259 participants from more than 70 schools across the country.

The final was held at the Chenla Theatre in Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh.

The championship aims to enhance students’ English language skills and boost their public speaking confidence.

Besides a week-long trip to England later this year, including a visit to Cambridge, the winners go on to represent Cambodia in the Asian-Pacific public speaking competition in Bali, Indonesia.

Peter, who advises a number of top UK independent boarding schools on international marketing, said: “I was hugely impressed by the nine competition finalists who spoke so fluently and confidently on topics including economics, the environment and gender equality. It was a privilege to listen to them and it was a hard job to decide on the winners.

“The Cambodian government recognises the importance of English language skills as the country’s economy grows and I am sure these young people will go on to achieve great things.”