PUPILS from three Ilkley's primary schools triumphed in an inaugural debating competition.

The team, made up of children from Ben Rhydding, Burley Oaks and Addingham Primary Schools, took home the winning trophy at the first annual Woolsack Debating Society competition.

The Woolsack Debating Society is a group of Bradford primary schools who regularly take part in debates. Seven teams came together for their first annual competition, which was held at Cartwright Hall in Bradford on June 16.

The competition took the format of seven debates, the topics of which were not known until the day, to determine the teams who faced each other in the final.

The children are exceptionally enthusiastic about their debating society and this was a wonderful opportunity for them all to come together in a setting designed to inspire them.

Following an exciting day and several close debates, the final two teams took to the floor to debate whether museums and art galleries should be free. After a nail biting final, the winners comprising of pupils from Ben Rhydding, Burley Oaks and Addingham Primary Schools took home the coveted trophy.

Medals were presented to all those who took part: Whetley Primary Academy; Miriam Lord Community Primary School; Atlas Community Primary School; Green Lane Primary School; Dixon’s Manningham Primary Academy; Peel Park Primary School; Bowling Park Primary School; Ben Rhydding Primary School; Burley Oaks Primary School; Addingham Primary School; Eldwick Primary School (runners up); Crossflatts Primary School (runners up); Myrtle Park Primary School (runners up); Parkwood Primary School; Eastwood Primary School and Holycroft Primary School.

Trish Gavins, who initiated the Woolsack Debating Society, said: “The pupils of Bradford schools showed in this debating competition that they can think deeply and articulate their ideas at a high level. These pupils are potential politicians, philosophers and leaders of the future.”

Carol Satterthwaite, chair of the Language for Learning Group and one of the organisers, said: “We hope that this will be the start of an annual competition for the children in our district. This kind of event provides an invaluable and exciting opportunity for children to develop their discussion and thinking skills, both of which are critical aspects of a school’s curriculum.”

Any school who would like to be involved in the Woolsack Debating Society should contact Carol Satterthwaite on carol.satterthwaite@btinternet.com for further information.