STUDENTS from Hagley Catholic High School talked their way into the regional finals of a debating competition.

They were among four teams of students who took part in the round of the Institute of Debating Matters competition at Birmingham's Joseph Chamberlain Sixth Form College, debating controversial issues such as the HS2 rail link and childhood vaccinations.

Besides speaking on the subjects the teams had to answer tough questions from a panel of expert judges and professionals, including Thomas Watt, the actor who used to play "Lofty" in EastEnders.