PRIMARY school children from across North Yorkshire argued the pros and cons of homework when they faced each other in the final of a county-wide debating contest.

The competition, started by former county council chairman Cliff Trotter, is in its fifth year and almost 50 teams competed in the heats.

This year’s finalists were Richmond Methodist School; Bedale CE primary; Rossett Acre; Hampsthwaite; Amotherby; Embsay; Northstead; Scarborough, and Riverside.

Their teams met in the council chamber at County Hall in Northallerton and argued on "Is homework a waste of time?" The winner was Bedale primary, with Riverside the runner-up.

Councillor Trotter, who was unable to attend because of an injury, said: “I started this competition in an effort to try to interest more young people in politics.

"Its increasing popularity shows that we are doing that, and the standard is improving each year. I have been so impressed by the professionalism of the children and the confidence they show when speaking before a room full of people.”

Next year's topic will be "Is social media a danger to children?”