FIVE pupils from a school in Chorleywood are set to give Prime Minister Tony Blair and other world leaders a run for their money on a 12-day Global Young Leaders Conference (GYLC) in America.

The 17-year-old pupils, of St Clement Danes School, Chenies Road, are some of the 350 students to be selected worldwide for the excursion, following their consistant demonstration of outstanding skills at school.

The group - Simon Payne, head boy Russell Hale, head girl Amanda Clements, Jessica Brand and Jessica Frost - left on Saturday, and will visit Washington DC and New York City.

The GYLC has been designed to challenge students to work as a team to address worldwide conflict and provide resolutions for contemporary issues facing the international community.

A key organiser of the educational event, which takes place twice a year, is The Congressional Youth Leadership Council (CYLC).

Mr Michael Lasday, executive director of the CYLC said: 'Scholars not only gain knowledge and experience at the GYLC, they leave with a sense of empowerment and an increased ability to face the challenges of the future responsibily.'

The cost of the trip to each student was approximately £1,200, of which the school contributed £500 per student.

On arrival in Washington, the students were split into groups with people they have not met before, to work on 'thought provoking challenges' designed to build upon leadership skills.

During their time in Washington, the group will meet leaders from more than 50 different countries, known for their powerful influence on politics, finance, culture and diplomacy.

One of the chosen few, Simon Payne, of Raglan Gardens, Oxhey, said he was excited but also apprehensive as to what might be in store.

He said: 'It is one thing to stand up and speak to a crowd of people that you don't know, but another to have to speak on a subject you have little knowledge of.'

Aspiring to the charasmatic personalities of world leaders, such as Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King, Simon believes himself to be a good communicator.

Currently studying English literature, economics and politics, he added: 'I think it is natural to feel apprehensive with regards to meeting new people who speak a different language but I am confident I will be able to break down the initial barriers.'

vdillingham@london.newsquest.co.uk