A TEAM from King’s College in Taunton has won the district final of a national public speaking competition.

King’s won the English Speaking Union Public Speaking district contest which was held at Queen’s College in Taunton.

The team’s chairman Tessa Counsell, speaker Will Cashmore and questioner Charlie Collins emerged overall winners and will now go through to the South West final to be held at Blundell’s School on March 8, 2015.

They faced tough competition from Taunton, Wellington, Queen’s and Park School.

Tessa received a high score from the judges for chairing her team’s entry with Will choosing a topic entitled “Freedom is Only an Illusion” exploring philosophy and theology. Charlie’s questioning then carried hallmarks of a professional political commentator.

A King’s spokesman said: “This is a tough competition and the team deserve much credit for fulfilling their respective roles to the highest standard and for being a cohesive and effective team.”