Three Year 8 pupils from Eggar's School in Holybourne beat stiff opposition to win the South East Area final of the annual Rotary Youth Speaks Competition.

They pitched their debating skills against teams from Great Walstead School, Steyning Grammar School and Halliford School in Reigate on March 1.

The Eggar's intermediate team took on the challenge with their motion 'This House believes the death penalty should be reintroduced', a weighty and emotive topic handled with an effective combination of passion and sensitivity.

All three 12-year-old team members spoke fluently and compellingly both for and against the motion and had clearly researched their subject in depth.

They delivered a well-reasoned debate with little reference to notes and with admirable confidence, and were judged the well-deserved winners of the final.

In addition to their overall team win, the team’s chairperson was also awarded the trophy for the Best Intermediate Chairperson.

The children commented on how much they had enjoyed participating in the competition, for which they had been preparing since October.

One of the team said: "Youth Speaks has really improved my confidence, especially about speaking in public.”

“It's been a great experience which has taught me how to be better at acting on feedback," added the team's chairperson.

The three pupils are already discussing potential topics for next year's competition.

"We could not be more proud of the team," said Rachel Lynch and Louise Smith, the Eggar's teachers who oversee the school's annual participation in Youth Speaks.

"They did all their own research, wrote up and revised their speeches, and spent many hours rehearsing the delivery of their debate. We are thrilled for them that their hard work paid off."

Judith Stephens, of the Rotary Clubs of Farnham and Farnham Weyside, said: “It was a very successful day for these outstanding pupils of Eggar’s School.”