YOUNGSTERS from two Stourbridge schools have made it through to the next round of a national Rotary Club speaking competition.

Sian Simpkins, Yusaf Akbar and James Simpson from Redhill School were voted winners in the intermediate category (for seven to nine-year-olds) of the first round of the Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland Youth Speaks Competition, held at Old Swinford Hospital School on January 24.

While Simi Manik, Rebecca Fenton and Matt Jones from Haybridge High School in Hagley scooped first place in the senior section for ten to 12-year-olds after impressing judges from Stourbridge Speakers Club and Stourbridge Rotary Club, which sponsored the teams to take part.

Stourbridge Rotary Club president John Yeates, chairman of the judging panel, said: ’’Rotary is pleased to be able to host competitions for young people and my fellow judges and I were very impressed with the high standard of the presentations.

“The young people who took part were a credit to their schools, their teachers and their parents.”

Both winning teams, who spoke eloquently on the theme of peace, now go through to the district round of the competition being held at Queen Elizabeth School, Atherstone, Warwickshire, on Saturday March 9.

If they enjoy further success - they will be invited to take part in the national final at the University of Hull on Sunday April 28.