A Rotary International public speaking competition at Trinity School last week was fiercely contested by 27 students from six schools.

Thomas More Catholic School won the intermediate section with Coloma Convent Girls School winning the senior section.

The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Susan Winborn presented the winning teams with competition shields and each member of the competing teams with certificates.

Cliff Quartly, the organiser of the competition and a member of the Rotary Club of Croydon East said: “This has been a joint effort on the part of the Rotary Clubs of Coulsdon Manor, Croydon, Croydon East, Croydon Jubilee and Croydon Whitgift. Once again the commitment, self assurance and wonderful ability of these young people demonstrates beyond all doubt the rich talent that runs in our Croydon Schools – we should be very proud.”

The six schools represented were Archbishop Lanfranc, Coloma Convent for Girls, Oasis Academy Coulsdon, Shirley High School Performing Arts College, Thomas More Catholic School and Trinity School of John Whitgift.

The wining teams are due to compete in February with the winners of other heats in the regional competition leading to the national final in May.