HUNDREDS of youngsters from across York flocked to the city’s historic Guildhall for the annual secondary schools conference.

This year’s theme was eco-schools, and pupils took part in a series of events throughout the day, including a “question time” with Coun James Alexander, leader of City of York Council Also on the panel were Coun Janet Looker, the council’s cabinet member for education, children and young people’s services; Pete Dwyer, director of adults, children and education at the council; PC Andy Patchett, a youth police officer; John Goodyear, assistant director of communities and neighbourhoods; and John Tomsett, head teacher of Huntington Secondary School.

They were quizzed on a range of topics, from the new community stadium project to why there were not more youth clubs in the city, and the event gave young people chance to ask senior figures about their plans for the city.

Youngsters also attended a variety of workshops, ranging from a travelling to school workshop to a confectionery and Fairtrade workshop hosted by Nestlé.

One of the key questions asked at the question time debate was how young peoples’ voices help.

Coun Alexander said: “It’s important that you have a voice and that we know what the important things are to you. You guys are the citizens of the future in York.”

Coun Looker said: “I think it’s absolutely vital that we as councillors and decision makers come back and explain why things don’t happen like you wanted them to happen if that is the case. I also think we need to keep the dialogue open.”