LOWTON student Andre Walker knows what he's talking about.

The top deliberator has gained fourth place in European University debating rankings published this week.

Andre, 20, a student at London University, started arguing three years ago when he appeared on a Channel 4 documentary, People's Parliament.

The series producer, Gordon Burns, now anchorman on BBC North West Tonight, coached him at the time, and he hasn't looked back since.

Andre, of Langfield, Lowton, was educated at St Edward's College, Liverpool, and Winstanley College, Wigan.

He is now studying for a degree in social policy and political science.

He said: "I am very pleased, but I am looking forward to the next challenge, the world championships."

They start on January 2 2000 in Sydney, Australia.

And Andre is hoping his success will aid his search for sponsorship for that event.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.