THE internet encourages debate, according to a Chester children’s author.

David Whitley, author of The Midnight Charter and Children of the Lost, was guest speaker at the annual Chester Debating Society dinner at Vicars Cross Golf Club.

The former King’s School student spoke of how youngsters use the internet to engage in heated debate on everything from fantasy fiction to current affairs.

He said he was optimistic new media will enhance children’s thinking powers and enthuse an interest in face to face debates.

The guest’s response was given by Max Sworder representing the newly formed University of Chester Debating Society (UCDS).

After the loyal toast, CDS member Phil Pearn expressed his relief that, in the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee year, the society’s recent debate motion on ‘Britain would be a better place without the monarchy’ had been defeated.