YOUNGSTERS proved to be a hard audience for a Labour politician as secondary school pupils grilled the Labour party candidate on her party’s policies.

Helen Goodman, who was MP for Bishop Auckland, visited Greenfield Academy’s Sunnydale campus, in Shildon, today. (Tuesday, April 28)

Pupils spent an hour asking her about issues such as the need for nuclear weapons, war in Afghanistan and lowering the voting age.

The visit formed part of a mock election which the students are taking part in within the school.

The pupils were split into several political parties, including Labour and Conservative, and are trying to convince fellow youngsters to vote for them.

Votes will be cast at the school in the mock election during on the same day as the General Election on Thursday, May 7.

Ms Goodman said: “I thought the students were very good and they engaged really well and they were a great group.

“They asked some very good questions today and I think it’s really good that they are interested in politics.

“The vote is one of the most important things they can use to create a change in their lives.”

Peter Davies, history, philosophy, ethics and religion teacher, was behind the visit.

He said: “I’m quite politically minded and I thought we could do something for the election such as getting the candidates to come along.

“It allows the kids to see people who have done it politically and they may be inspired by it.”