PUPILS in York are to be given the chance to showcase their public-speaking skills.

Organised by York Civic Trust and backed by City of York Council, the York 800 public-speaking contest – one of the events to mark the celebrations of the 800th anniversary of the city receiving its Royal Charter – will be held at Guildhall on Wedensday, November 21, at 6.30pm.

Each participating school has nominated a team of two Year 7 and 8 pupils who will have eight minutes to speak on one of five topics based around York’s past and looking to its future. The schools taking part are Archbishop Holgate’s CE Academy, All Saints RC School, Manor CE Academy and Bootham, Fulford, Joseph Rowntree, St Olave’s and The Mount schools.

The winners will receive £25 in vouchers and the Civic Trust’s York 800 Award.

Coun Janet Looker, who will be one of the judges, said: “It provides a great chance to hear pupil’s views on York, particularly in the year of York 800.”