PUPILS from Grove Primary School were invited to the Malvern Hills District Council offices to learn more about what the authority does.
The youngsters, who were eco-committee and student council members, were invited to the Council House on Wednesday where they enjoyed a special tour and met with councillors.
Coun David Watkins, portfolio holder for housing and communities, along with Pickersleigh ward councillor Val Myatt and Claire Vaughan-Wood, community leadership and engagement officer, gave an informative talk about citizenship and democracy.
The group then learned what it was like to vote in a real election when they took part in a mock ballot.
Dan Bayliss and Jude Allen, two the council’s community and environmental protection officers, also spoke about environmental issues with the help of their trusty sidekick, Jimmie the Monkey.
The event was organised as part of the district council’s engagement plan commitment to offer primary schools the chance to meet their councillors.
Coun Watkins said: “The day was a great opportunity for children to learn more about the council in a fun and interactive way.
“Teaching the younger generation about citizenship and democracy is an essential element in creating a brighter future for everyone.
“Hopefully it will inspire them to play an active role within their communities as they grow older, especially when voting in elections.”
Alison Matthews, who runs the eco-committee and student council at Grove Primary School, added: “The children learnt so much and the day has provided a spring board for us to carry on the good work within our groups.
“The children are now planning to incorporate what they have learnt from the environmental officers into a special plastic waste project at the eco-club.
“It was a very positive experience and one they won’t forget.
