FORTY students will debate the mental and emotional health of young people in Wiltshire when they take over county hall next week.

Teams of students aged from 16 to 19 will be taking part in a debate in the council chamber on Wednesday.

Issues covered by the debates will include the subject of boys in prison, bullying, advertising, and whether boyfriends and girlfriends have become fashion accessories.

The debate has been organised by Wiltshire Health Promotion Service and Wiltshire County Council's Youth Development Service.

Richard Merrett, senior health promotion specialist for mental health, inequalities and diversity, said: "This year's motions for debate provide a real opportunity to challenge preconceived attitudes within society that can have a profound impact on young people's mental health.

"Whatever the outcome is I'm sure the young people will go away with a greater understanding of the important issues involved."

James Moody, Wiltshire County Council youth democracy worker, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for young people from across the county to come together and discuss issues that directly affect them and gain a better appreciation of how the issues can influence their mental and emotional health."

The debating team demonstrating the best overall skills in presentation, teamwork, originality, accuracy and breadth of relevant knowledge will be awarded the prestigious Young People's Debating Bowl. Judging will be done by a panel composed of adults and young people.

Schools with teams entering the debate include St Laurence School, Bradford on Avon, and John Bentley School, Calne.