STUDENTS from two Wirral schools have been praised for their success in a debating competition that saw one local team get through to the national final.

Birkenhead School took on Wirral Grammar School for Boys for a place in the Rotary Youth Speaks competition final.

The Birkenhead team - Aaron Mackie, Oliver Coleman and Jack Vicars - won the senior Rotary local and regional competitions, and went through to the national event held in Norwich on Sunday (April 21).

They spoke about 'Why a cashless society is inevitable and beneficial for modern society' and, although not winners of the national final, team member Jack, pictured far right, was voted the best opposer.

Birkenhead Rotary Club, has organised the local 'Youth Speaks' competition for many years. 

A spokesperson the group said: "Organisers have always been so impressed by the standard of the debates presented by the young pupils. The Wirral heat was hosted by Wirral Grammar School for Boys.

"This year teams from Birkenhead School and Wirral Grammar School for Boys presented a wide range of fascinating and challenging subjects, such as 'Why the four-day working week is the answer for the modern workforce'; 'Should supersonic commercial aircraft be reintroduced', and 'This house believes that the government should allocate more funding to parks and green spaces.'

Mayor of Wirral, councillor Jerry Williams also praised the efforts of pupils from both schools.

The lead Rotarian Ray Dent said: "This competition challenges the pupils public speaking abilities, to perform, persuade and entertain an audience with their knowledge of a topic.

"It really does help build self-confidence and develop research and presentation skills.”

Entrants take part in the Intermediate section with ages between 11 and 13 or the Senior category aged between 14 and 17.

The Intermediate Wirral Grammar School for Boys team went through as far as the regional final, being warmly praised by Club President Barbara Sinclair for their presentation.