A TEAM of students have represented the region at a national debating championships.

A nine-strong team of Year 13 students from St Leonard’s Catholic School in Durham represented the North-East at the European Youth Parliament Debating Championship, held in Liverpool.

St Leonard’s won the regional heat held at the Town Hall in Durham earlier this year and reached the national final where they debated issues as varied as freedom of speech and whether Turkey should join the European Union.

Head teacher Quentin Hughes said: "We are keen to give our pupils a rounded education and experience of the wider world.

“This debating competition has been a fantastic opportunity and we are all so proud of them for getting through to the national finals in Liverpool.

“Unfortunately we didn't win but it is something the students will remember forever."

The event is organised by the European Youth Parliament (EYP) which encourages independent thinking and initiative in young people.

Jude Kirton-Darling, Labour MEP for the North East of England sent a message of support after the group won the regional competition.

She said: “I'm delighted that the group has had the opportunity to talk about Europe and how it affects all of us.

“It's great to see young people interested in the world around them and I'm sure that this experience will serve them well in the future."