A quick-witted team of debaters from Haberdashers' Monmouth School for Girls won their case at the district finals of a public speaking competition.

'Curiosity Killed the Cat' was the topic addressed by the outspoken group of Georgina Feltham-White, Helena Peacock, and Amina Arif, all 15, in the Youth Speaks contest run by Rotary International of Britain and Ireland.

Having won the Monmouth round in January, the senior team was up against four other groups in the district finals, held in Gloucestershire on Sunday 7th February.

Roger Finn, from Monmouth Rotary Club, said: "The seniors faced very stiff competition.

"Their ability to develop the topic and hold the audience impressed the judges and they emerged as winners; a splendid effort.

"They now go on to the Regional Final in Bristol. We wish them every success."

The competition seeks to help young people become effective and confident public speakers.

HMSG's intermediate team, pictured below, of Stephanie du Toit, 12, Niamh Gray, 14, and Kia Ballantyne, 13, produced what the judges described as a "very strong team performance" with a well-constructed and humorous argument about 'True Wealth'.

However, they were very narrowly beaten into second place by Redland Green School from Bristol.