STUDENTS tested their public-speaking skills as part of the Archbishop of York Young Leaders Award.

The 22 youngsters chose a number of charities to speak on behalf of at the event in The Hive, Manor CE School.

The event was attended by York Central MP Hugh Bayley and Coun Janet Looker, City of York Council’s cabinet member for education, children and young people.

Following the presentations, Mr Bayley said: “Every one of these young people has something really interesting and important to say. They must use the leadership skills that they have learned and their great powers of persuasion to make a difference to the world we live in.”