YOUNGSTERS from Highfield High School, Blackpool, got the chance to quiz the people in power on Monday (October 4) in a Question Time event hosted by British Telecom.

The event, which took place in the Stakis Hotel, was supported by BT as one of a number of fringe events organised by the company at the beginning of the Conservative party conference.

The 20 Year-10 Blackpool pupils were joined by students from other schools from Liverpool, the Wirral and Preston to form an 80-strong audience.

James Clappison, MP for Hertsmere, Clare Curtis Thomas, MP for Crosby and Vernon Strachan of BBC education, tackled the questions while BT's head of corporate affairs Sandy Walkington stepped into the shoes of David Dimbleby.

In addition the children were able to have a hands-on look at BT's latest technology, including a teenage bedroom of the future.

Head of Highfield High Derek Digman said: "This was a superb opportunity for our pupils to get involved in what was a great event.

"We jumped at the chance to take part after we were recommended as being a good school to the organisers. It was nice to be invited to go and our pupils got the chance to quiz the MPs, which is a good life experience and something they obviously wouldn't normally get to do.

"In addition it was nice for our students to talk to pupils from other towns and also have the unique chance to see tomorrow's technology."

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