THREE Lytham schoolgirls have talked their way into a top award in a regional competition. Merita Crookenden, Alison Barratt and Theresa Coles have won first prize in the North Lancashire Speaking Competition run by the Rotary Club this month.

The girls, all aged 16, were word perfect when they represented their school -- King Edward VII and Queen Mary -- to defeat five other schools and take the trophy.

English teacher Ms DI Prutton, who coached the girls, said: "The girls showed a great deal of poise."