CHILDREN at Woodthorpe Primary School have learnt about Parliament and the job of an MP, thanks to a visit from York Central's Sir Hugh Bayley.

The children have been learning about British values and democracy, and in the run up to the general election finding out how they can play a part in democracy in years to come.

Sir Hugh said: “Its good to talk to the children about democracy and explain about how Westminster works. Many people only see the political point scoring and arguments at Prime Minister’s Question Time or the half empty benches at the end of a debate. But a lot of work goes unseen in committees where MPs from all parties work together to thrash out legislation line by line.

"The children have been learning about democracy and that in the UK our government can’t do as it likes because there are checks on its actions such as elections or the duty to consult and listen to citizens views.”

Sir Hugh is the latest in a line of speakers - including local councillors and politicians - to visit the school.

Headteacher Joanna Rawling added: "It has been wonderful to see the children fully engaging in our exploration of British democracy through a range of excellent speakers."