ANOTHER first for the Rotary Club of Aireborough was achieved with a local heat of the National Rotary Youth Speaks competition.

Seven teams took part from Guiseley and St. Mary’s, Menston schools each made up of a chairperson, speaker and vote of thanks provider.

Teams chose their own topics, including The impact of social media on the mental health of young people, Tax credit cuts of April 2017 and Vegetarianism – the future of mankind?

The Intermediate 11 to 13 years category was won by Majid Qahwaji, Qiange Mao and Owen Sage with their chosen topic A reconsideration of British foreign aid policies. The senior 14 to 17 year group saw Ross Tanner, Ally Lloyd and Beth Dillon taking the prize with The essence of education has it been lost. Both winners came from Guiseley School.

Every participant received both a certificate and a medal. The winners, who will move on to the district final in York also took away £30 cheques for school funds.

A large audience at the Grove Methodist Church expressed their appreciation and admiration for the efforts of every team.

Event organisers were Geoff Bartrum and Brian Whitham. The task of judging and providing constructive feedback was entrusted to Alyson Wort, Tony Scaife and Robert Mirfield with the role of inquisitive questioner being filled by President Heather Read.