One of the subjects to be debated by a local school is 'Big Brother Nation' in the annual Youth Speaks competition organised and sponsored by the Rotary Club of Andover.

Four local schools have entered the event and there will be teams competing at two levels, junior and intermediate, on the night.

Each team provides three speakers. One to introduce the speaker and the subject, one to present the topic, and finally to propose a vote of thanks.

They have a total of 10 minutes to get their message across to a panel of judges which includes the Mayor of Test Valley Councillor Pat West, the editor of The Andover Advertiser Joe Scicluna, and the senior vice-president of the Andover Rotary Club John Ray.

Finally teams will be questioned on their subject before the judges decide on the best presentations.

Last year the teams from Rookwood School and Harrow Way scooped the main awards and went on to compete with great distinction in the Rotary group finals.

This year they will be competing again with teams from John Hanson and Winton schools.

Youth Speaks is being held at Cricklade College Theatre on Monday 26 January starting at 6:30pm.

Admission is free and the public are invited to hear the presentations given by young people.

And especially to decide if they agree whether Orwell's Big Brother predictions are imminent!