The Great Lancashire Debate winners are announced
Key topics for Lancashire's future have been discussed by schoolchildren during the Great Lancashire Debate.
The competition, which celebrates schools across Lancashire, Blackburn with Darwen and Blackpool, culminated in a grand final at County Hall in Preston on 7 and 8 November.
The winners were Barden Primary School, who spoke about vaping; and Balshaw's Church of England High School, who debated crime and poverty.
Other important issues discussed that affect the county, and how they could be resolved by 2050, included littering, homelessness, the provision of SEN places, early years access to books, equal opportunities for school children, racism in schools, and air pollution.
The primary school winner, announced on Tuesday, was Barden Primary School.
The other finalists were: Eldon Primary School (Highly Commended School); Edenfield Church of England Primary School (Highly Commended School); Burscough Village Primary School; St Gregory's Catholic Primary School and Westhead Lathom St James' Church of England Primary School.
The Best Individual Speaker was Emily Ellerton, from Burscough Village Primary School.
The Highly Commended Speakers were Maria Afzal at Barden Primary School and Penny Milne, Edenfield Church of England Primary School.
The secondary school winner, announced on Wednesday, was Balshaw's Church of England High School.
The other finalists were: Ashton Community Science College (Highly Commended School); Hope High School (Highly Commended School); Ribblesdale School; SS John Fisher and Thomas More Roman Catholic High School and West Craven High School
The Best Individual Speaker was Leoni Harris, from Ribblesdale School.
The Highly Commended Speakers were: Patrick Barr, from SS John Fisher and Thomas More RC High School; and James Winter, from West Craven High School.
County Councillor Phillippa Williamson, Leader of Lancashire County Council Leader said: "It was a very successful first year hosting The Great Lancashire Debate. It was fascinating to hear from the brightest young minds in Lancashire.
"Listening to their ideas will have a long-lasting impact as we can use this important feedback to help shape future work on Lancashire 2050.
"We'd like to thank all of the schools who took part and spent their time preparing such well-researched viewpoints.
"We were so impressed with their debating skills and it made for a very hard decision to choose the two sets of winners. We are looking forward to hosting the competition again in the future."
County Councillor Jayne Rear, cabinet member for Education and Skills said: "Well done to all of the schools, especially our winners and best individual speakers.
"The competition was fierce and they all put forward really thought-provoking arguments."