Over 200 Year 7 pupils enjoyed a 'real-life' citizenship lesson on Friday October 17, as they took part in a special forum at Three Rivers District Council (TRDC) to mark national Local Democracy Week.

Youngsters from St Joan of Arc School in Rickmansworth had the chance to put their questions to Councillors Ann Shaw, Chris Hayward and Ron Spellen, who participated in a lively Councillors' Question Time session. Members of TRDC staff from the Leisure, Communications and Community Safety teams finished off the morning with fun quizzes and presentations about how their work affects the local community.

Events of this kind have been held at Three Rivers District Council for four years running and have proved to be a great success with pupils and teachers.

Leader of Three Rivers District Council and Youth Champion, Councillor Ann Shaw, said:
"We are delighted to welcome more young people to the Council and help support St Joan of Arc School's Citizenship curriculum. These young people are the voters of tomorrow and future leaders of the community; it is so important that they have the opportunity to find out more about local democracy and why it is essential to vote and have a say."

Local Democracy Week (13-17 October 2008) sees hundreds of events organised across the country every year, to encourage young people to get interested and involved in local decision making. For more information on the national Local Democracy Week campaign visit www.localdemocracy.org.uk