SCHOOLGIRLS have proved their worth as they came third in a nationwide competition in debate.

A three-strong team from the School of St Helen and St Katharine, in Faringdon Road, Abingdon, was one of the top-scoring schools in the UK in the Rotary Youth Speaks Champions 2008 finals.

A total of 15 schools battled it out at the City of London School for Boys for the title. BBC news presenter Huw Edwards was the master of ceremonies and Cherie Blair, wife of the former Prime Minister Tony Blair, presented the prizes.