PRIMARY school children from across York were discussing major issues affecting them at a conference taking place in the city today.

More than 200 children who sit on school councils throughout York were meeting and talking about common issues, from problems with transport to health and safety in schools.

Patrick Scott, director of education with City of York Council, was also attending the event and listening to what the youngsters have to say.

The event, taking place at the Guildhall, has been organised by Dunnington Primary School Council and supported by the Institute of Citizenship and York Children's Fund.

Members of the school council have planned all aspects of the day from transport to the food.

The format of the day included a series of workshops involving talks, drama pieces and presentations on health and safety in schools, inclusion, school travel plans and fair trade.

Bernie Flanagan, from the Institute of Citizenship, said: "The aim is to bring young people together and share ideas about how schools can operate and pass the message back to the powers that be."

Updated: 11:49 Wednesday, March 03, 2004