Students from the Sir John Colfox Academy claimed a double win at the Youth Speaks competition.

In the first round of the annual event, organised by the Rotary clubs of Brit Valley and Bridport, for teams of students from Beaminster School and Colfox went head-to-head and debated issues which they feel are important.

Teams of three students in the intermediate and senior categories discussed topics which included whether there is a better lifestyle in city living or rural communities, whether cycle helmets should be compulsory and whether the current curriculum meets the needs of young people.

The best overall presentations were awarded to Roland Ross in the senior and Millie-Jane House and Eddie Rose in the intermediates.

The winners of the intermediate competition were the Colfox B team and the senior class of Colfox Academy, who went forward to the semi-finals earlier this month.

The two teams went up against two from Sunninghill Preparatory School. The Colfox B intermediate team successfully debated ‘school uniform is redundant in this modern society’, with Roland Ross being judged the best speaker on the night.

Other topics chosen for debate included, ‘why euthanasia should be legalised in Britain’ and ‘contact rugby should be banned in all schools’.

The judges were Terry Lunt, Debra Bates and Penny Deacon and certificates were presented by club presidents, Lindsey Luxton and David Weston.

The Colfox senior team debated ‘schools do not suitably prepare students for life’ and also gained a place at the district final at Kings of Wessex Academy in Cheddar on February 22.

Should either team be successful, they will progress to the regional final at Exmouth College on March 21 and ultimately the national final in Birmingham on May 2.