SCHOOLCHILDREN got vocal this week as they took part in the Rotary Club of Sidmouth s annual speaking competition.

SCHOOLCHILDREN got vocal this week as they took part in the Rotary Club of Sidmouth's annual speaking competition.

The event, which took place the St John Ambulance Hall on Monday, saw two age groups from the town's schools engage in conversational combat on a variety of subjects.

A winning talk on the demise of Sidmouth's Woolworths saw a St Nicholas School team triumph in the junior section. Two teams from St John's also took part.

St Nicholas pupil Lauren French, ably introduced by George Hodgson with a vote of thanks proposed by Nancy Sanders, talked of possible alternative uses for the site were proposed including a bowling alley and a caf�.

The intermediate section saw a further two teams of 11 to 13 year-olds from St John's take on Sidmouth College opponents.

A talk on The Bare Necessities from St John's team six proved successful as student Sam Tapp, introduced by Jackson Chinery with a vote of thanks by Richard Baker speculated on the necessities of life from food and water to computers.

The Judges, who were chaired by Doctor James Lynch and included Councillor Frances Newth and David Powell, praised this year's high standards.

Subjects ranging from the environment to music, the Olympics to real beauty for girls made their decisions a hard task.

Sidmouth's Inner Wheel Club were on hand to provide light refreshments.

Winners will now go forward to the Eastern Area final at Knowle in Sidmouth on Monday February 9. Festivities will begin at 6.30pm.