THE annual schools' public speaking contest Youth Speaks is being held on Monday at Andover's Cricklade Theatre.

Pupils from the area's secondary schools will be competing against each other in the popular public speaking competition.

Each team of three has eight minutes on any subject - except politics - to argue its case in front of a panel of judges, including Test Valley Mayor Cllr Tony Gentle, Andover Rotary Club president Gordon Howard and Andover Advertiser editor Joe Scicluna.

The chairman of each team has two minutes to introduce the main speaker, who has six minutes to put the main case forward.

The third speaker gives a summary and vote of thanks before asking for questions.

Prizes are awarded to the winning teams in each category. Last year, Rookwood School won both the junior and intermediate categories while a team from Cricklade College swept the board at senior level.

The competition starts at 6.30pm, entrance is free and members of the public are welcome to attend.