A TALKING trio from Peeblesshire have become the Scottish Young Farmers East Region speechmaking champions.

Nicky Campbell, Emma Gray and Eilidh Hudson faced teams from as far away as Aberdeenshire, Fife and the Lothians at last week's regional final.

The girls had been coached by farmer Hamish Dykes from West Linton in the run up to the talk-off.

And their tuition paid off as they narrated their way to victory at Newbridge Bowling Club.

Lynsey Robison, regional events manager with the Scottish Association of Young Farmers, told us: "It’s been a number of year since the East Region had to hold a Junior Speechmaking Elimination, and the teams certainly made this no easy task for our judge.

"This year’s format is chairman, speaker and vote of thanks and the four teams which impressed our audience were Aberfeldy JAC, East Fife JAC Blue, East Fife JAC Red and Peeblesshire JAC.

"The competition was judged by Arthur Lawrie who told all teams that the points were exceptionally close between all teams, and that the final placings were determined by two teams receiving time penalties."

The Peeblesshire team of chairman Emma, speaker Eilidh and Nicky with the vote of thanks, discussed The New Consent Forms in front of a 30-strong audience.

Following judging, the trio were announced winners ahead of runners-up East Fife JAC, and third-placed Aberfeldy JAC.

And they will now go forward to the nationwide championships on Saturday, December 10 at the RBS Conference Centre near Edinburgh.

Lynsey added: "This was the first time that all of the members taking part had ever participated in this competition and had taken to the floor to present their topic to an audience of 30 people.

"The variation in topics kept our audience entertained and our question masters on their toes, as they tried to probe our speakers on their chosen subject.

"All competitors should be very pleased with what they have achieved, as it is no easy task at any age to prepare and present a speech."