LOWICK Young Farmers' Club triumphed in the northern regional finals of the YFC public speaking competition in Retford, Nottinghamshire, when the under-16s team of Leah Clough, William Longmire and Luke Hodgson took first place.

Luke was also placed firszt for best speaker after delivering a knowledgeable talk on Blue Faced Leicester sheep, while William gained top slot for his vote of thanks.

Emma Littlewood (Kent Estuary) and Mark Hurst (Aspatria) kept the audience entertained as members of a fictional 'Astronomical Society' during the After Dinner Speaking competition. Daniel Asplin and Dennis Sharp (both Kent Estuary) gave amusing speeches as attendees of the Rugby Football Union dinner.

The Cumbria team were placed second in the overall competition.