BROMSGROVE Speakers Club lost to local rivals Stourbridge in the race for the annual Blarney Stone.

Each side had to deliver prepared speeches using identical predetermined topics on the seaside, country and town.

Judged by three external judges, the competition was praised for the quality of all the speakers on the night, but the final voting resulted in a 2-1 majority vote for Stourbridge.

Ben Collins, one of the participants for Stourbridge Speakers Club, said: “We are so proud to have won. Thank you to all the team members hard work and to the other club members for their feedback and support to help us along the way.”

The night also helped raise £40 for Primrose Hospice after a raffle organised by Bromsgrove Speakers Club.