SIR,

I would like to use your paper to express my delight in witnessing the talents exhibited by the young people of Monmouth.

On Wednesday 25th January, the three secondary schools in Monmouth took part in a debating competition hosted by the Rotary club.

All schools provided the audience with articulate and knowledgeable discussions. I would like to congratulate the pupils of Monmouth Comprehensive School on winning the Intermediate and Senior awards.

The judges had very difficult decisions to make. Merlin Gable debated about the 'Swinish Multitude' and 'how liberalism could be said to have gone too far'.

Drawing on the Chartists and the trial at the courtroom was a brilliant idea considering the event was held in the Shire Hall, in courtroom one.

I think the teachers were very proud of their pupils as indeed the parents were too.

Michelle Thomas

(Dingestow Youth Speaks Competition)