A SILVER-TONGUED team from the Royal Grammar School has scooped a top prize in a national debating competition.

The newly crowned National Public Speaking champions were successful in the final of the Youth Speaks contest, which took place at Bishop Grosseteste College, Lincoln.

Dr Martin Smith, who teaches history at the RGS, has been coaching public speaking for 15 years and believes the team are the best the school has ever produced.

He said: "I'm obviously delighted and ecstatic. Everyone here is very pleased teachers, parents and the headmaster. It was well worth it and very well organised."

The event, which took place last Saturday, was organised by Rotary clubs around Britain.

The three-man team had to introduce, talk, and answer questions on a subject of their choice.

The boys Guy Burkitt, Byron Thomas and Thomas Rendell, all 18 were successful in every round of competition, talking on their specialised subject: 15 minutes fame, or legendary legacy?

The speech examined the contrast between temporary celebrity and enduring reputation. Famous figures such as Elvis, Nelson Mandela and Princess Diana all cropped up in the winning speech.

Top talkers from around the country competed in the presence of the Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire and the Lincolnshire County Council chairman.

Dr Smith described the competition as "red hot" and thought there was very little to chose between the finalists.

He added: "There were no weak teams. It's always a mystery how judges reach their decision, but they made the right choice. The boys are experiencing a mixture of delight, disbelief and relief."

The boys have 12 years of public speaking experience between them all, and they are all taking their A levels this year.

The team will be giving their presentation to the Rotary Club lunch in High Wycombe on Tuesday, June 28.