PUPILS from Chipping Norton School have taken the honour of first place in the first ever 'Democracy Challenge' hosted by their MP.

Students from every sixth form in West Oxfordshire took part in the event, which was organised by Witney MP Robert Courts.

They went head to head at West Oxfordshire District Council's offices in Woodgreen, Witney, last Friday, and were whittled down over two initial rounds, during which they debated topics from grammar schools to the merits of West Oxfordshire as a place to live compared to London.

They were judged by district councillors from all parties, who ultimately put Chipping Norton School and The Henry Box School, from Witney, through to the final round.

In the final they debated the motion: 'This House believes that social media has had a negative impact on society'.

The judging panel for the final debate was made up of Mr Courts, Conservative peer Lord Robert Hayward and retired judge Charles Harris QC.

Mr Courts said: "I was absolutely delighted to host my first ever Democracy Challenge.

"I was thoroughly impressed by the high standard of debate and public speaking that was on display.

"Chipping Norton School were well deserved winners, but they were pushed hard and everyone who participated made some really excellent and thought-provoking contributions."

The winning team from Chipping Norton School was made up of pupils Georgia Juckes, Alicia Ross-Vergara, Hettie Gardner and Luke Briggs.

They were presented with a trophy, and will now go to Parliament for a tour with Mr Courts, after which they will be able to watch live debates in the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

Mr Courts added: "Open debate and discussion are the very basis of our democracy and I am keen to promote this amongst our young people.

"I can say with certainty that the art of debate is strong in West Oxfordshire and democracy has a bright future.

"I am already looking forward to next year's competition."

Other schools which took place in the debating competition were Bartholomew School, Burford School, The Marlborough CofE School, Wood Green School, Cokethorpe School and Kingham School.