CONFIDENT students at Wellington School have won a public speaking competition.

William Langdon, Phoebe Crossing and Henry Vyse talked their way into the South-West final of ESU’s public speaking competition, beating King’s College, Wells Cathedral School, Taunton School, Millfield School and Park School to the crown.

Team coach Rupert Marsh said: “William, as principal speaker, persuaded the gathered crowd at Birchall Hall at Queen’s College, that money had not ruined sport and Henry, who won the prize for the best chairman on the night, was the perfect host.

“Phoebe asked the questions, with a smile and with a dagger in her cloak.”

The team now go through to the final round at Blundell’s School vying for a place in the National final in London.

Rupert added: “We are delighted with the spirit and talent of this team and hope they will triumph in the final stage.”