A FIVE-strong team from Philips High School certainly wasn't lost for words when they won an annual debating competition at Bury College.

The squad, comprising year 10 pupils Georgina Mann, Lee Norris, Samantha Ugbomah, Connor McManus and Adam Naughton, took the honours for the school on Higher Lane, Whitefield.

English teacher Mrs Emma Platt, who is also an assistant headteacher for teaching and learning, said: "We had to work on three topics to debate, but we didn't know until the day itself whether we would be arguing ‘for’ or ‘against’ the topic.

"The three topics were 'organ donation should be made compulsory'; 'the NHS should not fund any treatment for illnesses related to obesity'; and 'zoos and safaris should be banned'.

"We were up against some tough competition from schools such as Prestwich Arts College, Abraham Moss, St James’ C of E in Bolton and Sharples High School in Bolton." Prestwich Arts College came third.

Mrs Platt continued: " It was a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon and the pupils did the school proud. All in all, a successful event which the pupils enjoyed. Their maturity and team work ethic was clear to see. We will be back next year to see if we can win again."

They won a £20 Amazon voucher, a big chocolate medal from Slattery's, their own personal bronze trophy and a memory stick. The school itself won a plaque, engraved with the names of the five pupils.