PUPILS at St Nicholas Junior School, Sidmouth, certainly have the gift of the gab.Three youngsters have won the district final of Youth Speaks, the Rotary public speaking competition, held at Blundells School, Tiverton, on Saturday.

PUPILS at St Nicholas Junior School, Sidmouth, certainly have the gift of the gab.

Three youngsters have won the district final of Youth Speaks, the Rotary public speaking competition, held at Blundells School, Tiverton, on Saturday.

The same team beat off competitors from Kentisbeare to win the junior title at the eastern area finals held at The Knowle, Sidmouth, on February 9.

Speaker Lauren French, 11, chairman George Hodgson, 11, and Nancy Saunders, 10; who gave the vote of thanks, gave a presentation entitled Economic Crisis in Sidmouth.

Lauren spoke about the affect the closure of Woolworths has had on the town and what could take its place.

"They put on a most excellent performance," said Sidmouth Rotarian Iain Macmillan.

The team received the district shield from Rotary District Governor George Kempton.

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