A TEAM of youngsters have secured a place in the regional final of the prestigious public speaking competition.

Pupils from Lowton CE High School competed for a place at the next level of the Youth Speaks competition organised by Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland.

The zone final at Bedford High School saw eight teams, each comprised of a chairperson, a speaker and a proposer of a vote of thanks, compete for a place.

Lowton CE High is sponsored by The Rotary Club of Leigh and were judged as joint winners with St Peters RC High School in Wigan.

President of Leigh Rotary Frank Bowker said: “I, like many others, find public speaking difficult and I have the greatest admiration for the skill of all the young people taking part in Youth Speaks but especially our own team from Lowton CE High.”

Chaired by Charlotte Scorer, Lowton speaker Mary Clare spoke about the lack of suitable role models for young people today and how she looked up to her Grandfather while Shauna Hayes proposed the vote of thanks.

The senior Lowton High team were knocked out of the competition by Falinge Park High School from Rochdale.