YOUNG speakers from Polam Hall School, Darlington, won eight categories in the recent Teesdale Music Speech and Drama Tournament.

A host of other prizes, as well as 32 certificates of merit, were awarded to girls from the school who took part in the competition.

Among the top performers were 12-year-old Jessica Walton, Victoria Fenton, 15, Sophie Tompkins, 13 and Jessica Farr, 12.

Polam Hall headteacher Helen Hamilton said: "Once again I am delighted to see how well Polam Hall School has done in this important competition.