DEMOCRACY and his role as a Member of Parliament were subjects Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron spoke about on a visit to Staveley Primary School.

The visit by Leader of the Liberal Democrats was hosted by Into Film - a UK-wide education organisation supported by the BFI through Lottery funding.

During the visit Mr Farron revealed that the film Cathy Come Home inspired him, as a teenager, to go into politics, and recommended the film The Queen as giving a good example of how public opinion can make a difference.

He also watched two short documentaries made by the students as part of Into Film’s Make Film–Greatest Generation project, which saw seven to 11 year olds interview members of the wartime generation and combine the footage with archive material to create their own short films.

Commenting on the students’ work, Mr Farron said: “It’s a wonderful use of primary source material and bringing in relatives and older people. Their fascination with the subject was really energising and exciting for me. They have the right to be very proud of what they’ve done.”

Teacher Lisa Strange said: “Since 2009 we have run a film club at Staveley School and over the last few years taken up a variety of opportunities to enable pupils to make their own films.

"During Tim's visit it was lovely to see our children talking about what was involved in making their films and the pride they took in showing their film to him. They also learnt a lot about Tim's work as an MP and developed their questioning techniques with some very probing questions."

For further information about Into Film and to start an Into Film Club for free access to thousands of films and education resources visit: www.intofilm.org or call 03303137600