Student finalists in a debating contest had a chance to meet the Speaker of the House of Commons.

Pupils from Kings Langley School and Queens’ School met with Mr John Bercow as a prize for reaching the finals of the Watford Debating Competition.

The Palace of Westminster visit was organised by Watford MP, Richard Harrington on October 10.

Each year Mr Harrington organises debating contests for Watford schools. Eight schools took part this year with Queens’ crowned the champions and Kings Langley the runners up.

Students took part in four knock-out rounds covering a range of topics.

Queens’s also received a trophy and intu vouchers. But the competition was so close, both schools were invited to meet Mr Bercow.

They had tea in the House of Commons and took part in a Q&A with the Speaker. He gave them debating tips in the Speaker’s official residence.

Mr Harrington said: “Congratulations again to this year’s finalists. Each year gets better and better, and this year we had fierce competition, so it’s such an achievement to reach the finals.

“I think it’s really important to engage young people with politics and a debating competition is a great way to boost confidence and gain public speaking experience.

“Mr Speaker also does a lot to encourage debating in schools, so he was only too pleased to support this competition and congratulate our finalists.”