AN Urmston schoolgirl was thrilled to mark the 80th anniversary of Anne Frank’s birth by singing at the House of Commons.

Last year Thea McQuaid-Jones, of Newcroft Road, won an Anne Frank Award at the BBC Radio Theatre in London for her work in combatting bullying at Highfield Primary School.

And on Thursday Thea sang X Factor winner Leona Lewis’s version of Run in the Houses of Parliament at this year’s awards ceremony, which was compered by former Conservative politician, Michael Portillo.

Thea, 13, and a pupil at St Antony’s Roman Catholic College, said: “I was very nervous and excited because it was such an honour. I chose Run because it’s one of my favourite songs.

“I sing in public every weekend by taking part in shows so I was ready for this. I really enjoyed the day and met so many interesting people.”

A spokesperson for the Anne Frank Trust UK, which honours outstanding young people, said: “As we knew that Thea has a great singing voice we asked her to sing at this year’s ceremony.

“She did a lot for bullying and was a wonderful ambassador, which is why we wanted her to come back.”

Thea’s gran, Nicky McQuaid, said: “As you can imagine she was really thrilled to be asked to sing at the House of Commons. I’m very proud, of everything she does, her achievements are remarkable. It was fantastic, a truly awe-inspiring and phenomenal day and Michael Portillo told Thea she had a wonderful voice.”

MP for Stretford and Urmston, Bev Hughes, said: "I want to congratulate Thea on a fantastic achievement. I'm sure her family and friends are all immensely proud of her achievements.

“I wish her the best of luck when she sings at the Anne Frank Awards. She's a credit to Urmston and the young people here."

The Anne Frank Awards, originally established in 2003 by the Anne Frank Trust, the sister organisation of the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, is an education and recognition programme for young people and educators who have shown great personal strength.