PRIMARY schoolchildren from across Kendal took part in a political challenge aimed at engaging youngsters in local issues.

The event at Kendal Town Hall was organised by sixth form students from Queen Katherine School who set pupils the task of presenting an answer to a topic on healthcare or the environment.

The children were in groups of no more than four and presented their answers in a variety of ways which included song, powerpoint presentation and roleplay.

All the presentations were judged by Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron MP and Patrick Willink, chief technology officer at James Cropper, Burneside.

The event is part of an ongoing community project the Queen Katherine School students are part of, with scheduled community events also due to take place at Stonecross Care Home and Blackhall Croft.

Queen Katherine School teacher Tracey Ellis said: “Organising this event has enabled the students to develop and enhance a variety of key skills.

“With events like this we’re encouraging the younger children to understand local issues which are affecting us.

“It’s been a great day and I’d like to congratulate our students on hosting this event so professionally and to the primary pupils on taking part so enthusiastically.”

The joint winners were students from Castle Park School and St Thomas’s CE Primary School.

The other schools involved were Heron Hill Primary School, Stramongate School, Vicarage Park C of E Primary School and Crosthwaite Church of England Primary School.