JUDGES commented on the exceptionally high standard shown by all teams at the North Region speechmaking eliminations held at Nairn Community and Arts Centre.

Heading up the three-strong junior section was the East Mainland YFC team made up of chairman Gemma Harcus, proposer William Harvery, and opposer Alix McEwan. They discussed 'Horses on the road' to score 73.5 points.

Udny JAC's Campbell Harvie, Arlene Black and Lewis Gallier notched up 70.25 points having discussed 'Are board games better than electronic games' to come second, with all three Udny members picking up tickets for being best speakers outwith the winning team.

Third place went to Chloe Mackay, Jamiee Lyon and Laura Henderson, of Bower YFC, who spoke about 'Slipper or naughty step.'

All three teams will represent the North Region at the National final on Saturday.

Turriff JAC continued its winning form among the seniors to lead the section, with speaker Elaine Duguid discussing 'Do we need the live auction ring for selling livestock?' She was joined by chairman Murray Stephen, question master Andrew Dalgarno and mover of the vote of thanks, Aimee Margrove, to pick up 142.5 points.

Two Udny JAC teams picked up second and third places with 138.5 and 132.25 points, respectively.

The A team's Kate Middler, Gary Bruce, Michelle Stephen and Claire Black's topic 'Should schools shift from a nine-month school year to a 12-month school year' placed them ahead of the B team's Helen Bruce, Tom Bruce, Gemma Bruce and Heather Charles, with 'Super dairies - a high welfare and efficient system of milk production or just another name for factory farming?'

Prizes for best speakers outwith the winning team went to Gary, Kate, Gemma and Claire, all from the two Udny teams, and the three senior teams will compete at the National final in February.