Students from across Lichfield and Burntwood have been battling it out for a public speaking award.
The Michael Fabricant-Arthur Price of England Annual Schools Speaking Challenge took place at a packed Lichfield Guildhall and saw teams debating whether the 2012 Olympics are a waste of money.
The winning team from Chase Terrace Technology College argued against the claim, while the best individual speech prize went to Michael Sharrock of King Edward VI School in Lichfield who spoke without any notes.
Col Bob Stewart DSO MP, who commanded British forces in Bosnia, took on the role of speaker during the event. He said:
“The standard of speeches was very high and it’s heartening to see the enthusiasm and expertise of these youngsters. It was great to be back in Lichfield. I had been here many years before when I was training at Whittington Barracks.”
Mr Fabricant added:
“This competition has been running now for almost 20 years and is a constant testimony to the high standards and clear thinking of our local school students. This year maintained the high standards and all the schools taking part can feel very proud, as I do, of the debating teams.
“There are some future Government Ministers there, I am sure!”