YOUNGSTERS got an insight into how the world of Westminster works during a school trip to London.

Eight pupils from the school council at Ox Close Primary School, in Spennymoor, travelled to the capital on Friday, January 29.

After catching the 6.45am train from Durham to King's Cross, they travelled by underground to Westminster for guided tours of the Houses of Parliament and observed a debate about lowering the drink-drive limit.

They met up with pupils from St Andrew's Primary School in Islington, London, where reception teacher Laura Smith used to work, for a democracy workshop and met Islington South MP Emily Thornberry.

After considering how politicians must balance all their responsibilities, such as constituency and party priorities, they voted for policies that would ban smoking and raise the legal age for drinking alcohol to 21.

Ox Close pupils Maddison Illingworth, nine, and Alfie Hudson, six, were elected by the group as Prime Minister and culture secretary.

The pupils also enjoyed a restaurant meal and visited Platform 9 3/4 at King's Cross from the Harry Potter books and films.

Headteacher Daniel Harrison said: "London is such an interesting place just being there was exciting, it is good to broaden children's horizons.

"So many young people are disenfranchised so we want our children to think about democracy.

"We're not trying to breed MPs but it would be helpful if they took more interest in how things work and how decisions are made."

Durham County Councillor and Spennymoor Mayor Cllr Pat Lawton also accompanied the group and helped fund the excursion with her member's initiative fund.