FOUR schools have made it through to the final of Liverpool Law Society’s second annual public speaking competition.

They saw off 16 other schools in heats held across Merseyside to win through.

The finalists are Upton Hall School, Wirral, Sacred Heart Catholic College, Crosby, the 2008 winners Archbishop Blanch School, Liverpool city centre, and St Edward’s College, Sandfield Park, Liverpool. They will go head-to-head in Liverpool Town Hall on March 2.

Law Society President Charlie Jones said: “It has been a pleasure to watch the teams and a real shame that there can be only one heat winner.

“I congratulate each and every person who has taken part in the competition for entering into the spirit of it and taking great care and pride with their preparation.

Teams consist of two participants who make a 10-minute presentation on a given topic.

Subjects debated included the standing of War Crimes Tribunals and slavery reparations payments to African nations.

Organiser David Tournafond, chairman of Liverpool Law Society’s training and charities sub-committee and head of Weightmans’ Liverpool office, who sponsor the event, said: “I’m delighted Weightmans has taken the opportunity once again to sponsor this tremendous event.”