It was almost a clean sweep for pupils at a Falmouth primary school when they showed of their public speaking skills in the local round of the Rotary Youth Speaks competition.

Two teams from year six at St Francis Primary School entered the competition, held at the Tremough campus of University College Falmouth, and walked off with not only the top spot but the third position as well.

Vanessa Farnell, assistant head teacher and also literacy co-ordinator at the school, said: "They did really well. We've been doing it for about three years, so we're really chuffed to win it this time."

The winning team, made up of Scott, Lauren and Jenna, spoke on the subject of "Use of Language." The third place team, featuring Neola, Emma and James, spoke about "Saving the Rainforests."

To achieve their places, the youngsters had to speak on their subjects in front of a large audience and the judges.

The winning team will now go forward to the regional heat in Penzance next Wednesday (February 28), from where they hope to progress even further in the competition.

Ms Farnell added that the children had practised for the competition in lessons, as homework and in front of the whole school in assembly, to get used to speaking in front of large audiences.