IN PICTURES: Causeway Coast and Mid Ulster pupils compete in Ballymoney Soroptimists' 44th Public Speaking competition

The long-established competition, which saw entrants from all over the Causeway Coast and Mid Ulster participate, was held in the Old Schoolhouse, Ballymoney, on November 5.

Elizabeth McFetridge, Public Speaking Convenor, Ballymoney & District branch Soroptimist International, welcomed the competitors, their teachers and supporters to the event.

Sixteen girls from seven schools competed, speaking on a range of topics which were:

PLANET: We all need to do our bit to save the planet from climate change; PARTNERSHIP: Empowering women and girls needs partnership; PEOPLE: The double-edged mirror - AI, synthetic beauty and females; PROSPERITY: Fast fashion or fast destruction; HEALTH: "Nurture your mind with great thoughts" - a 20th century solution to a 21st century mental health crisis and PEACE: War penalises women and girls the most.

The adjudicators for the evening – Alison Steen, Principal Drumrane Primary School, Alex Tannahill, Principal Garryduff Primary School and Ann Todd, former school principal and Honorary Secretary of Ballymoney Soroptimists – had a difficult job selecting a top three.

The winner was Ella Mack from Dalriada School with Sperrin Integrated College’s Julianna Mackle taking second place and Halle from Ballymoney High School taking third position.

President of the Ballymoney branch of Soroptimist International, Alison Algeo, presented the girls with their prizes.

Ella will now represent Ballymoney & District at the Northern Ireland Public Speaking Final which will be held in Royal Hillsborough Village Centre in 2027.