PUPILS at a Blackburn primary school are appealing to other youngsters to get involved with debating competitions.

St Thomas’ Primary School in Newton Street set up a debating society before Christmas and held its first competition with Wensley Fold Primary School recently.

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Despite losing their first encounter, the team, which boasts around 12 members, is keen to encourage other schools to get involved.

Working alongside Blackburn actor Paul Simpson, St Thomas’ has been holding regular debating society meetings aimed at boosting the children’s vocabulary and critical thinking skills.

Paul, who once had a part in Coronation Street, has also held similar sessions at Wensley Fold.

The two teams debated whether it was right to use animals for testing and whether violent video games make children and young people more violent.

St Thomas’ headteacher Carolyn Lord said: “Debating has a number of benefits for the children and it’s great that so many of our pupils have got involved.

“The club helps to develop their vocabulary and also teaches them to form and argument and fight for it.

“It encourages them to form opinions as well and they do a lot of research into subjects before they debate them which helps with their learning as well.

“The problem with the club is that they don’t have anyone else apart from Wensley Fold to compete against.

“It would be great if other schools from the area could get in touch and maybe something could be organised.”

“It’s important to give these children a chance to use and develop these news skills and they might be lost if we do not encourage them.”

Among the judging panel at St Thomas’ debating competition was former Coronation Street actor Graeme Hawley who portrayed John Stape in the long-running ITV soap from 2007 to 2011.

Despite winning one debate each on the night, St Thomas’ team came off second best to Wensley Fold on points.

Mrs Lord said: “It has been great to have the help and support of Paul Simpson and the kids have really enjoyed working with him.

“To have Graeme Hawley for the debate itself was really good and everyone enjoyed themselves.”

For more information or to get involved, call St Thomas’ Primary School on 01254 54706.