SCHOOL councillors from Ortu Corringham Primary school met East Thurrock MP Stephen Metcalfe during a visit to London and the Houses of Parliament today (Wednesday, 8 January).

The youngsters enjoyed 'an exciting day' and headteacher Lorna Hamilton and staff have spoken of their pride at the way their students represented the school.

The children, who make up the school council, made the visit to learn about the work that is done inside the Houses of Parliament as well as discovering some of the different roles of those who work there.

During the tour, the children visited the House of Lords where they were able to role play some of the work that Peers undertake in considering Bills put forward by the House of Commons.

The end of the day provided the group with the opportunity to meet and talk to Mr Metcalfe about his role in Government, the work he does to represent the people of Basildon South and East Thurrock and to answer the children's questions about how to best represent people.

Lacey, a pupil from Corringham Primary school said: "It was an amazing day and we found out about the history of the beautiful building and also about how power has moved from the monarchy across to Parliament over a number of years."

Robert Wade, Assistant Headteacher added: "This visit not only gave the children a great opportunity to learn about such a key building in Great Britain's history, but it also provided a vital insight into democracy, representation and how our laws are made."

He went on to add that alongside introducing and meaningfully developing democracy within school, visits such as these are "essential to ensuring that young people have the opportunity to engage with and understand the politics that shape the world that they are growing up in."