IF actions are supposed to speak louder than words, a cross-section of Andover's youngsters proved that a skilful combination of the two can have an impressive impact.

Four secondary schools and Cricklade College mustered teams to take part in the annual Youth Speaks competition organised by the Rotary Club of Andover.

Cricklade Theatre was again the setting for a display of formal etiquette and incisive speeches which proved amusing and, at times, awesome.

The subjects ranged from fads, fast foods, the body beautiful and the good old days to pigs might fly, investment in sport for the young, the culture of consumerism and Harry Potter.

And Winton School's subject of the art of public speaking turned the tables by going into the pros and cons of speaking in public, such as using mobile phones on trains!

All the teams showed high standards of preparation and presentation, with an obviously high level of research going into the various subjects. The competition was split into three sections - Junior, Intermediate and Senior and the running order in each section was decided by drawing lots. The teams for the 2002 contest were Rookwood and Harrow Way in the Junior Section, Rookwood, Winton, Harrow Way, John Hanson 'A' and John Hanson 'B' in the Intermediate Section, with Cricklade 'A' and Cricklade 'B' making up the Senior Section.

This year's judges were Test Valley Mayor Cllr Jack Taylor, Andover Rotary Club president John Stainton and Andover Advertiser editor Joe Scicluna and they faced a very difficult task in separating the teams.

Marks were awarded for the team and its appearance and observation of formalities, the chairperson, speaker and proposer, making a possible total of 100 marks less any penalty points for under-running or over-running the allotted time.

After a close contest that produced some superb entertainment for the audience the eventual winners were: Junior Section:

Winning team: Rookwood

Best speaker: Paul Shears (Harrow Way)

Best chairperson: Hannah Griffiths (Rookwood)

Best proposer: Lauren Manzur (Rookwood)

Intermediate Section:

Winning team: Rookwood

Best speaker: Amy England (Rookwood)

Best chairperson: Corinne Jeffery (John Hanson 'B')

Best proposer: Sarah King (John Hanson 'B')

Senior Section:

Winning team: Cricklade 'B'

Best speaker: Jenny Taylor (Cricklade 'B')

Best chairperson: Andrew Percey (Cricklade 'B')

Best proposer: Lucy Martin (Cricklade 'A')

The winning team from each section will now be invited to go forward to the group finals in February.