Queens' School have triumphed once again in the Watford Inter-School Debating Competition hosted by MP Richard Harrington at the House of Commons.

Eight schools from across the Watford area took part in the challenge, which involved knock-out rounds of debates on a variety of controversial subjects.

The debates were chaired by Watford's MP Richard Harrington and an independent panel comprised Watford Observer group editor Peter Wilson Leary, County Councillor Frances Button, local publisher Nik Allen and new Watford Chamber of Commerce chief executive Ian Welland.

Parmiter’s and Queens' schools fought off tough competition from other participants to reach the final round, holding a lively debate on whether Britain should ban the Burqa.

The judges eventually declared Queens' the winner.

The team was presented with a trophy by Hertsmere MP James Clappison and prizes donated by Watford company GPF Lewis.

Following the debate Richard Harrington said: “I have again been impressed by the extremely high standards of debating seen during the competition.

"As individuals and teams, the students performed so well and each round of the competition was a close contest.

“Debating and public speaking are very important skills to master, which is why I have been encouraging local students to get involved in the competition and why I was so pleased to see so many take part.

"I decided to hold the event in Parliament to give the young people a chance to see where national debates takes place and speak in historic rooms.

“The teachers, parents and fellow students of those taking part should be very proud of what the students achieved and I look forward to seeing more schools involved in debating."

The other schools involved were Bushey Academy, Bushey Meads, Watford Grammar School for Boys, Westfield, Watford Grammar School for Girls and St Michael's.