STUDENTS from a Wirral school talked their way through to the national final of competition organised by Rotary Club of Birkenhead. 

Aaron, Oliver and Jack from Birkenhead School took on a team from Wirral Grammar School for Boys in the 'Youth Speaks' contest.

Their win sees them through to the national event being held in Norwich on April 21.

The teams from Birkenhead School and Wirral Grammar School for Boys presented a wide range subjects, such as "Why the four-day working week is the answer for the modern workforce," “Should supersonic commercial aircraft be reintroduced”, “Why a cashless society is inevitable and beneficial for modern society” and "This house believes that the government should allocate more funding to parks and green spaces.”

Birkenhead Rotary Club has presented youth speaks competitions for many years, and organisers have always been so impressed by the standard of the debates presented by the young pupils. The event was hosted by Wirral Grammar School for Boys.

Mayor of Wirral, councillor Jerry Williams, praised the efforts of pupils from both schools.

The lead Rotarian, Ray Dent, said: "This competition challenges the pupils public speaking abilities, to perform, persuade and entertain an audience with their knowledge of a topic.

"It really does help build self-confidence and develop research and presentation skills."

Entrants take part in the Intermediate section with ages between 11 and 13 or the Senior category aged between 14 and 17.

The Intermediate Wirral Grammar School for Boys team went through as far as the regional final, being warmly praised by Club President Barbara Sinclair for their presentation.