PSYCHOLOGIST Sharon Richards proved she could out-think her rivals to win a major speech competition.

For mum-of-two Sharon has won the coveted annual speech competition of South Manchester Speakers’ Club.

Sale resident Sharon, 52, delivered her humorous talk - entitled ‘A Day In The Life’ – a tongue-in-cheek tale of her supposed addiction to public speaking - at the club’s venue, Altrincham’s Cresta Court Hotel.

She beat nine other experienced speakers to unanimously win the title and cup, which were presented to her by the president of the National Association of Speakers’ Clubs, Gwyneth Millard.

“I was absolutely thrilled to beat such fierce competition,” said Sharon, who now qualifies for entry into the South Pennine area finals.

Runner-up in the competition was vice-president Steve Scott and in third place was founder member Richard Aves.

*The club meets every two weeks and anyone interested in joining can contact Richard Aves on 07939 072 156 or on rgaves@yahoo.com