SOME "councillors of the future" from a Skipton primary school came second in county-wide debate competition.

A team of six year six children at Skipton Parish Church Primary School finished runner up in the regional finals of a debate competition held in the North Yorkshire County Council chambers in Northallerton.

The children, who won a similar competition involving Skipton schools earlier this year, came second to Holy Trinity C of E Junior School, Ripon.

"Our students were remarkable in their presentation arguing the pros and cons of recycling," said headteacher Ellen Woodthorpe. "They're gifted and able writers and speakers and they showed off their talents and debating skills."

The team included Matthew Speak, Abigail Hutchinson, her twin brother Joe Hutchinson, Imogen Gaunt, Katie Tutty and Michael Bannier.

"We're very proud of them and their achievements this year," she said. "They're very hard-working and I think we have some councillors of the future in the making."

Competition judge Pauline Erwin said: "The new curriculum for schools requires that pupils should also be taught the conventions of discussion and debate, so initiatives like this are an ideal opportunity for pupils to develop these skills."