TWO Herefordshire teenagers progressed to the finals of the national Cranmar Awards after Hereford Diocese held its first heat for this celebrated public-speaking competition.

Georgina Sockett, 14, from Hereford Cathedral School, and Robert Porter, 17, from Malvern College, each won £25 for their ‘inspiring’ performances. The Hereford Diocese heat was held in front of parents and parish regulars at How Caple church, near Ross, on All Saints’ Day.

Georgina and Robert read selected passages from the Book of Common Prayer, primary liturgy of the Church of England. The youngsters now have a chance of further glory – and a substantial cash prize - in the national finals at Worester Cathedral in February.

The awards are run by the Prayer Book Society in memory of Thomas Cranmer, the 16th century archbishop who created the Book of Common Prayer and was later burned at the stake amid the sulphorous politics of the time.

Noel Manns, chairman of the Hereford branch of the Prayer Book Society, said: "Hereford can be proud. We had a strong field in both age groups. The contestants had clearly prepared assiduously."

Event organiser Quentin Letts added: "I was greatly moved as I heard our fine young contestants speak these prayers polished by history. Cranmer would have been delighted that his words are still being spoken, and with such beauty."