Members of the Youth Speaks team from Peter Symonds' College, Winchester, are continuing on their winning way.

After their success in the district finals in Southampton, they have triumphed in the regional competition.

Their eloquent presentation on the subject of "Injecting a bit of realism" about over-reaction to the drugs problem, beat entries from as far afield as Truro in Cornwall and Jersey.

Charlotte Blythe was the chairman and Jonny Scott the speaker while Sophie Ibbotson gave the vote of thanks.

Jonny completed a double by being voted best speaker in both the district and regional finals. The team, which is sponsored by Winchester Rotary Club, goes forward to the national final in Warwick.

Rotarian, Brian Ray, said of all the finalists: "It takes real courage to speak in front of a big audience and I couldn't help but be impressed by the real passion and fluency with which they spoke.

"'Youth Speaks' has given these young people a chance to express themselves in public and I'm sure we'll hear more of them in the future."