TROWBRIDGE secondary school pupils took part in an annual debating competition last Thursday evening.

Three teams from Clarendon Academy, John of Gaunt School, and St Augustine’s Catholic College competed in the Young Voice of Trowbridge finals which were held at John of Gaunt.

There were categories for Year 8, Year 10 and Year 13 students who discussed topics including encouraging healthy living, how schools can be become self-sufficient and how young people can be more active in the community.

St Augustine’s won the Year 8 and Year 13 sections while Clarendon Academy took top spot in the Year 10 debate with the winning teams receiving a silver plate.

Clarendon Academy’s team of Year 10s, which included Hannah Gale, Briony Richards, Ollie Harrison and Curtis Goodwin, were given a trophy for being the competition’s overall winners.

Julie Thomas, Clarendon Academy assistant principal, said: “We are immensely proud of them and all the hard work they have put in as well as how many people came forward and wanted to compete.”

Hannah Godwin, part of St Augustine’s Aspire team, who work with their gifted and talented pupils, said their pupils really enjoyed taking part.

She said: “All three of our teams performed exceptionally well at the competition and it was a pleasure to watch the young people speak so passionately and confidently about the topics.”

William Wyldbore-Smith, high sheriff of Wiltshire, Jane Scott, Wiltshire Council leader, Jo Trigg, The Consortium’s head of marketing and Dr Andy Thompson, University of Bath lecturer, were the competition’s judges.

Young Voice of Trowbridge is organised as part of Trowbridge in Bloom.

Jennifer Polledri, Trowbridge in Bloom chairman, said: “The standard of public speaking was quite exceptional and the audience were treated to a really memorable and enjoyable evening.

“A very special thank you must go to Trish Carpenter and Kat Hoskin, Trowbridge Town Council for their outstanding organisation of the whole evening.”