YOUNGSTERS put the House of Commons to shame when they thrashed out their arguments on the debating room floor.

Teams from eight North Yorkshire primary schools took over the county council’s main chamber in Northallerton for the final of a county-wide debating competition.

The contest, which was started three years ago by the county council’s former chairman, Cllr Cliff Trotter, has grown year on year.

In the first year only six schools took part, but this year 48 schools have been involved, with heats in every district of the county.

And the topic they tackled - “Are children healthier and happier now than their parents were at the same age?” – had them truly testing their discussion skills.

“The competition has become increasingly popular” said Cllr Trotter, who chaired the event.

“We already have more schools lining up to become involved next year. The children get an awful lot from doing it and headteachers and teachers have become increasingly keen to get involved as they realise the benefit for their pupils.”

“To be in this council chamber and to learn from each other’s views is a great thing to do,” said Cllr Val Arnold, the county council’s deputy chairman, who presented the debating shield to the eventual winners, Ingleton.