TAVISTOCK College public speakers scooped second place in a national competition after securing the title of Senior Southern Champions.

Tom Rodgers, Beni Evans and Charlie Hubbard took to the stage in the grand final of the Rotary Youth Speaks 2010 Senior Competition in Stratford upon Avon, taking second prize and 'Best Chair' for Tom's role.

Wally Lake, president of the Rotary Club of Tavistock, said: 'We are absolutely delighted that the Tavistock College team achieved such a well deserved success in the national finals.

'Rotary Youth Speaks is a wonderful opportunity for young people to take centre stage and be heard.

'The event helps them to test out and hone their oratory and presentation skills. Tom, Charlie and Beni have a real knack for public speaking which will put them in good stead for whatever they decide to go into in the future.'

Their presentation, 'Jack of all trades, master of none', focused on the difficulties young people have when applying for university. They argued sixth formers are forced to excel in all areas and questioned whether they had become so rounded they had lost their edge.

Ironically, two of the three team members had to choose between the final and another extra curricula activity – the Ten Tors challenge.

George Rodgers was replaced by his brother Tom after he opted for the 45-mile hike across Dartmoor, while Charlie Hubbard chose to remain with Youth Speaks.

Charlie said: 'I was absolutely devastated that I had to give up Ten Tors, but I enjoyed Youth Speaks and it was the first time we'd got to the final.'

Sally Hubbard, who coached the teams with fellow teacher Ann Morgan, said all the students involved in the competition had been a credit to Tavistock College and thanked the Rotary Club of Tavistock for their support.

She continued: 'It is an excellent initiative and every year it provides students with the opportunity to compete against other schools from across the country.

'All the students have worked so hard and for the senior team to come second in the national final was absolutely fantastic; congratulations to them all. It was a privilege to work with them.'