WELL-ARGUED cases on topical issues clinched the winners’ laurels at the local heats of Rotary Youth Speaks 2007.

The winners of the intermediate section were Hartford High School, comprising Zoe Chance, Katherine Risk and Rachael Bousfield, who looked at The Right To Vote.

The senior contest was won by Sir John Deane’s College with Matthew Styles, Hugo Newell and Christian Gowers. Their talk explored the topic of whether women should serve on the front line. Competing against Sir John Deane’s were teams from Hartford High School and the Grange School. All those taking part were presented with a commemorate certificate and the winners received a small cup. All the schools presented received a cheque for £200 thanks to sponsorship from EON UK. The contest is open to all students in full time education and is run to give youth a chance to have their say on a subject chosen by them.