STUDENTS from secondary schools in Thornbury and Alveston came together this week to discuss the big issues in a political debate.

More than 30 pupils from Castle School and Marlwood School, ranging from year seven all the way to sixth form, discussed topics including the EU Referendum, Trident, and whether prisoners should have the ability to vote, in the third instalment of a political forum set-up by Thornbury and Yate MP Luke Hall.

Throughout the session, the students would hear presentations and talks from guests on their pre-selected topics, before breaking off into groups to debate the issue, and then taking it to a ballot to vote.

“It is really impressive to see how interested these young people are,” said Mr Hall.

“The fact that we let the students pick the topics has really contributed to levels of engagement.

“We had nothing like this when I was at school is it is great that schools like Castle and Marlwood are so keen to host them.”

But Mr Hall has not been the driving force in the organisation of the forum. That has been down to the students themselves

Mr Hall added: “I am too old to be running a student forum, but the sixth formers have done a fantastic job.

“The plan is to host about two of these forums a year, with a different host school each time, so that more and more politically minded students can become involved.”

Castle School teacher George Newbould, who helps in the organisation of the student council, said: “This has been a really good opportunity for these young people to develop an opinion on the important issues that will affect them in the future, even if they are not yet old enough to vote.

“It is also really nice to develop links between schools, not just for the organisations, but between the students themselves.”