SIX local teams were competing in the fifth Eyres-Monsell Schools Debating Competition today (Friday).

A team from St James's School, West Malvern, will line up against Pershore High School in a debate on the merits of sport. Sex before marriage will be the subject for teams from Malvern College and The Chase, while a debate on smoking will be held between Malvern Girls' College and an independent team.

Up for grabs will be the Eyres-Monsell Team Debating Shield and the Sir Michael Spicer Cup for best individual speaker.

Sir Michael, MP for West Worcestershire, will be among the judges, along with West Mercia chief constable Paul West, Morgan Motor Company managing director Charles Morgan and Gerry Barnett, of the Evesham Journal, sister paper of the Malvern Gazette & Ledbury Reporter.

The event is being held at Malvern College. The winners will be invited to lunch with Sir Michael at the House of Commons.