A SCHOOLGIRL left politicians in stitches in Westminster this week after reaching the finals of a national comedy competition.

Chloe Burton, 12, performed at the Speaker's House in London on Wednesday, March 29 as part of the Voice Box contest.

Hundreds of children across Britain have tried stand-up since last Autumn in a bid to be crowned the King or Queen of comedy.

Chloe, who comes from Manchester, but goes to school in Newbury, was presented with a Voice Box finalist certificate.

Although she was excited about telling her jokes in Parliament, she said: “I want to be a tennis player when I grow up.”

Voice Box is an annual competition, organised by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT).

Kamini Gadhok, CEO of the RCSLT, added: “Speech, language and communication difficulties are the most common type of special education need in children aged 4-11.

“However, with the right help and support, children can improve their social skills, peer relationships and self-confidence, and access education which is vital to improving their life chances.”