YOUNGSTERS from Clacton put their speech and debating skills to the test at a special university challenge day.

Hard-working year nine students from Clacton County High School took part in the challenge at Essex University to help boost their English skills.

It featured hundreds of pupils from schools across the district, dividing into groups and using the uni lecture theatres to attend workshops on speech writing, debating and performance skills.

They took to the stage to present their views on a range of hard-hitting topics, from university fees to cheating in sport.

County High principal Neil Gallagher said: “It helped our students get to grips with the concepts and skills needed to gain the highest English GCSE grades.

“Students were extremely positive about the day and hope it can be repeated for other year groups in the future.

“Congratulations to one of our groups, led by year nine student Ian Stainer, who were placed third overall for the writing and delivery of their speech - ‘Why 16 year olds should have the right to vote in the UK elections’.”