CHILDREN and young people from four schools, representing junior, intermediate and senior age groups, took part in the recent youth speaks competition, organised by Tavistock Rotary Club.

In the junior competition, there were four teams from Lamerton Primary School and one from Lifton Primary School competing. The winning team was from Lifton — in which Jacob Brown, supported by Tom Bath and Olivia Baker, spoke on the subject 'Are there too many reality and talent shows on TV?' Close behind in second place was the Lamerton team of Ffin Williams, Ruben and Oliver Noy Scott who spoke on 'Why are people cruel to animals?'.

A spokesman for the rotary club said the juniors had put in an 'outstanding effort', particularly those taking part for the first time.

The intermediate section was won by Tavistock College, whose subject 'Very superstitious' was presented by Joe Way, Ellie Oaten and Jed Coiley. Tavistock also took second and third places.

The senior section saw six teams compete, three from Tavistock College and three from Kelly College.

First and second place went to Tavistock College — Flo Rodgers, Saskia Sills and Annabel Langdon presented 'Moderation is boring' and 'Population' presented by Katy Hyde, Jack Coiley and Hannah Keane. Third place went to Kelly College, with the team of Ryan Kingsley, Ben Murphy and Sam Lindsey speaking on 'Boosting our brain power, should cognitive enhancers be used for recreational purposes?'

The evening was well supported by contestants, parents, teachers and members of the rotary club, who congratulated all the contestants for their efforts and participation.

The next round is at Callington College on Wednesday March 2, when the first prize winners of the junior and intermediate sections and the first and second placed teams in the senior section will take part.