Six primary schools held a debating competition in the Council Chamber at County Hall in Northallerton.

Chair of North Yorkshire Council, Roberta Swiers introduced and controlled the lively debate, which took place on October 17.

Year six pupils from Broomfield, Mill Hill, Osmotherley, Romanby, Alverton and Applegarth schools joined the debate. The motion was: "This house believes that every child should be allowed to have a mobile phone at school" - a topical and contentious issue.

Two pupils from each school spoke in the debate, one for and one against the motion. They were supported by their colleagues in the audience, who also probed with questions.

(Image: DAVID LOCK)

The event was organised by Ken Blackwood of the Rotary Club of Northallerton, which has held these competitions for many years. The debate performances were judged by Rotarians Tom Banfield, Christine Mason and Ian Isherwood. 

"The judges were most impressed by the confidence and quality of the debaters, and the choice of the winning school was therefore difficult," said Ian. "However, the unanimous decision was to award the trophy to Joshua and Alyssa from Romanby School, for their clarity, persuasiveness and professional addresses."

Not surprisingly, the motion was carried in the vote by the children.