SIX secondary schools in Darlington are preparing for the town's annual schools' public speaking competition.

The event, to be held on Tuesday evening at Darlington college of technology, will be keenly contested by teams from Eastbourne, Hummersknott, Longfield, Branksome, Hurworth and Carmel schools.

Teams of three from each school will talk for up to nine minutes on a subject of their choosing.

The competition is sponsored by the college, Darlington lecture association and the Darlington & Stockton Times.

Guest speaker will be Mrs Pam Eccles, executive director of the Tees Valley learning and skills council. She will also present the prizes, which are awarded to the best individual speakers and best team.

Among the other guests at the prestigious event will be the Lord Lieutenant of County Durham, Sir Paul Nicholson, and the deputy mayor of Darlington, Coun Doris Jones.

Proceedings start in the main hall of the college at 7pm. Admission is free and there will be refreshments served during the interval.