Young people at local schools are being offered the opportunity to learn about democracy and the workings of local government with visits from local councillors to schools as well an event hosted at North Herts Council Offices.

Nine visits are taking place over the coming weeks to primary and secondary schools. Schools could choose from a specific session or a broader assembly, both of which include a question and answer session with local councillors.

In addition students aged 16 to 18 are being invited to the council chamber on Tuesday 15 November to learn about the electoral process and why they should register to vote, meet with local MP's, councillors and hear from members of North Herts Youth Council.

Children taking part in a voting exercise

The events have been organised as a joint celebration of both Local Democracy Week 10-16 October and UK Parliament Week 14-20 November.

Cllr Judi Billing, Executive Member for Community Engagement, who has taken a lead on this and will be running some of the sessions, said: "It's so important for young people to learn about local and national politics and how it affects their everyday lives. Of course councillors won't be campaigning, the sessions are aimed to give an overview of the political system, how democracy works and leadership, and encourage pupils to take part in local democracy opportunities at school and in the wider community in the future."

Schools taking part are Wilshere-Dacre Junior Academy, Kingshott School and William Ransom Primary School in Hitchin, St Thomas More Primary School in Letchworth, Ashwell Primary School, Offley Endowed Primary School and Wymondley JMI.