PRIMARY school children have been given a voice as part of Maryport's first ever public speaking competition for primary schools.

Organiser and teacher Claire Langstaff said being able to speak in public was an important skill.

"We have had competitions at secondary school level but we have never had anything for primary schools so we ran this competition for year six children," she said.

Pupils from Our Lady and St Patrick's Catholic Primary School, Maryport C of E Primary School, Allonby School and Flimby School took part in the competition on Tuesday night.

Topics ranged from a poem about the birds of the Galápagos Islands to the effect of the cost-of-living crisis on food prices.

Times and Star: Alina Lister from Our Lady and Saint Patricks School with judges: Maryport Rotarian Pat Brinicombe, Rotary chairman Sarah Lindsell and special adviser to Cumbria primary schools Rachel Laverak Alina Lister from Our Lady and Saint Patricks School with judges: Maryport Rotarian Pat Brinicombe, Rotary chairman Sarah Lindsell and special adviser to Cumbria primary schools Rachel Laverak (Image: Submitted)

There was a diary written during the Blitz, a talk on body image and on animal cruelty and even an address to the council asking for improvements to Allonby School's outdoor area.

The winner was Alina Lister of St Patrick's who spoke about how Thai boxing had changed her life.

Runner-up was Izzie Murdoch from Maryport Primary School.

Times and Star: Runner up Izzie Murdock Maryport CE Primary schoolRunner up Izzie Murdock Maryport CE Primary school (Image: Submitted)

The speakers were judged by two members of the local Rotary Club, Pat Brinicombe and chairman Saah Lindsell and Rachel Laverak, special adviser to Cumbrian primary schools.

Mrs Langstaff said the winner received a trophy to be kept at the school and a prize for herself. She said she hoped the competition would become an annual event.