PUPILS from two Stroud schools will represent the UK at international European Youth Parliament events.

Stroud High School will represent the UK at the 71st International Session of the European Youth Parliament (EYP) in Amsterdam in November and Marling School will represent the UK at the second International Forum of EYP-Europolis in Ghent.

The two schools beat off stiff competition to claim the top prizes at a European Youth Parliament debating session held from July 5 to 8.

Mike Leyland, chairman of the EYPUK Board, said: "The standard was exceptionally good this year and for two Stroud schools to have come out top is a credit to their hard work and preparations.

"We are confident both schools will be terrific ambassadors for EYPUK at their respective international events."

The event held at Liverpool Hope University, saw 140 students from 14 schools across the UK, discuss a wide range of topics during two days of debating.

Subjects covered included the current Eurozone crisis, youth unemployment and London beyond the 2012 Olympics.

Mr Withers, headteacher of Stroud High School, said: "I am absolutely delighted that our debating team has been so successful.

"Debating is an art that is highly valued by the whole school community, and particularly by parents and governors Ð and with good reason.

"Parents will be extremely proud of their daughters, as I am. It is great to see Stroud High students having the success that their hard work merits."

Mrs Jayne Southwell, of Marling School, added: "I am extremely proud of the success of the Marling boys. They represent the very best of principles on which the school was established."