TALKING in class is something teachers would normally frown upon.

But for six youngsters at an East Yorkshire school it has proved very lucrative.

Two teams from South Holderness Technology College in Station Road, Preston, have won a region-wide public speaking competition, claiming a £1,100 prize.

The contest, called Youth Speaks, is run each year by Rotary clubs.

Teams from schools across Hull and the East Riding competed in intermediate and senior categories at the University of Hull, where they were asked to speak on a topic of their choice. 

The teams from South Holderness are celebrating success in both categories.

They will now go on to compete in the regional final in Lincoln.

Angela Lowery, Youth Speaks co-ordinator at the school, said: “The college is very proud of the students’ achievement and appreciates the time and effort from the Rotary Club for organising such a worthwhile competition.

“The students gain much more than winning an accolade. They gain self-esteem, speaking and listening skills.

“Working as a team also allows for the younger generation of today to really have their say.”

The senior team consisted of chairperson Abbigael Bainton, main speaker Gareth Smith and proposer of the vote of thanks Amy Fairclough.

Their chosen subject was The Youth Of Today.

Ms Lowery said: “The students wanted to convey a positive message regarding how the pubic perceives teenagers and challenge the stereotypical portrayal often found within the media.

“Having gained second place last year in the competition, they were keen to return and prove themselves.”

The intermediate team consisted of chairperson Hannah Fairclough, main speaker Daniel Fishburn and proposer of the vote of thanks Sophie Watson.

Their chosen subject was Any Dream Will Do.

Ms Lowery said: “For both teams to win is fantastic.”

The teams from South Holderness are celebrating success in both categories.

They will now go on to compete in the regional final in Lincoln.

Angela Lowery, Youth Speaks co-ordinator at the school, said: “The college is very proud of the students’ achievement and appreciates the time and effort from the Rotary Club for organising such a worthwhile competition.

“The students gain much more than winning an accolade. They gain self-esteem, speaking and listening skills.

“Working as a team also allows for the younger generation of today to really have their say.”

The senior team consisted of chairperson Abbigael Bainton, main speaker Gareth Smith and proposer of the vote of thanks Amy Fairclough.

Their chosen subject was The Youth Of Today.

Ms Lowery said: “The students wanted to convey a positive message regarding how the pubic perceives teenagers and challenge the stereotypical portrayal often found within the media.

“Having gained second place last year in the competition, they were keen to return and prove themselves.”

The intermediate team consisted of chairperson Hannah Fairclough, main speaker Daniel Fishburn and proposer of the vote of thanks Sophie Watson.

Their chosen subject was Any Dream Will Do.

Ms Lowery said: “For both teams to win is fantastic.”