Students from Sussex have made it through to the final of one of the toughest debating competitions in the country.

A team from Ardingly College triumphed in a regional heat of the Ideas and Pfizer Debating competition in London after facing a grilling from expert judges.

Each team member was challenged and questioned by the judges on their chosen topics in front of an audience.

The team of Jess Cufley, Alex Kellas, Matthew Marsh, Elliot Taylor and Jonathan De Vecchi-Freeman also picked up an honour in the individual competition.

Mr De Vecchi-Freeman said: "I felt that we were taken seriously and I really enjoyed the experience."

The team now goes on to a final being held in London on June 29.