AN 18-YEAR-OLD pupil has been selected to represent the country in an international debating event.

Melanie Pope from Newstead Wood School for Girls, Avebury, Orpington has won a place on the England school’s debating team.

The Year 13 student started out as a member of the debating society at school and has now attended competitions in Oxford, Cambridge, Durham and abroad.

She joins a team of four students, two boys and another girl, who will travel to Athens in February to compete in the World Schools’ Debating Championship, alongside teams from more than 30 countries.

Deputy head Ben Greene said: “We are immensely proud that Melanie's talents have been recognised at this level and know that she will make an outstanding contribution to the team's efforts in Athens.”