THE stirring words of a Wellington School student will be used to help raise awareness of homelessness across the country.

Year 11 student Charlie Pemberton made quite an impression on homeless charity Shelter, when she sang Franz Schubert’s Ave Maria at its carol service at St Martin in the Fields in London, before making an impassioned speech about the plight of the homeless.

Shelter’s chief executive, Campbell Rob, was so moved by Charlie’s speech that it will be used on the front page of the charity’s website across the whole of England.

Martin Reader, headmaster at Wellington School, said: “Charlie has raised a considerable amount of money for Shelter and helped to raise awareness for the charity.

“We are proud that the charity has recognised her contribution and dedication by putting her on the front page of their website.

“She is one of our superb choristers, so her lovely voice in the church of St Martin in the Field would have been a great inspiration”.

Charlie said: “It was a truly uplifting experience to sing in such an auspicious venue for a worthwhile cause.”