YEAR 7 and 8 pupils from nine secondary schools across York showed off their speaking skills at the York Civic Trust Public Speaking Competition last week.

Set up in 2012, the competition invites schools to enter a team of two pupils to speak for a maximum of eight minutes, suggesting topics that encourage the younger generation to appreciate the architectural and historic delights of the City.

Georgia Lawrence and James de Planta, of St Olave’s School, were named the winners with their speech, “22,000 new homes for York – is this good or bad for the city?”. They were presented with their trophies by the Lord Mayor, Coun Julie Gunnell.

Verna Campbell, of York Civic Trust, said: “The standard of speaking was incredibly high. The contestants were very impressive. They spoke well and had very informed and sophisticated views.”

Second place went to Zoe Blenkiron and Jake Cakaunitabua, of Huntington School. Phoebe Mountain and Adam Kane, of Joseph Rowntree School, were third.