Gallipoli beckons student

Gallipoli just came another step closer for New Plymouth student Paige Muggeridge.

Paige, 17, from New Plymouth Girls' High School, took out the Wellington Taranaki West Coast finals of the Cyril Bassett VC speech competition yesterday.

She will now head to Wellington for the national final on April 1, which brings with it the chance to travel to Gallipoli for the 2010 Anzac Day commemorations.

RSA district president Glover Anderson said the RSA was impressed at the level of students' interest in the competition.

He was pleased with the number of students keen to take up the opportunity to research and speak about an unforgettable aspect of our nation's Anzac heritage.

"Paige presented an excellent speech, demonstrating a strong understanding of the experience of New Zealanders in war throughout our history."

The National Bank RSA Cyril Bassett VC Speech Competition promotes among young people a deeper understanding and appreciation of the sacrifices made by those who served New Zealand in wars overseas.

The competition is also a tribute to Cyril Bassett, the only New Zealander to win a VC at Gallipoli.

- © Fairfax NZ News