THE regions's four newest MPs have attended their first "House of Commons" debate... and they all come from our borough!

Greenhill CP School's Christopher Rollinson (11) and Peter Hickford (11) and Wesley Methodist Primary School's Hayley Simm (11) and Lauren Warwick (11) were present for the landmark first meeting of the Children's Parliament on the Environment on Tuesday.

It took place at Granada Studio Tours' House of Commons set and there to witness the historic occasion was deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, deputy Speaker Michael Martin and the Sergeant at Arms of the House of Commons Milburn Talbot.

The four youngsters were representing a constituency that stretches from Cumbria to Cheshire after earning their seats by shining in local and then regional "elections".

The pupils from Wesley, in Radcliffe, achieved this by their debating skills on the environment and the duo from the Bury school, Greenhill, represented their school which won through in the essay writing side of the national competition. On Tuesday, May 18, Lauren, of Stainton Road, Radcliffe, spoke for the motion "By the year 2010 all cars that do not run on electricity should be banned from city centres".

And Hayley, of Warwick Road, Radcliffe, backed a move to ensure all energy used in England must be from renewable resources by the year 2010.

It says something about that persuasive skills that both motions were successful.

Wesley's deputy headteacher Mr Peter Wood said: "It was a wonderful experience for them and all the adults there could not fail to be impressed by the level of debating."

Christopher, of Warton Close, Bury, and Peter, of Galgate Close, Bury were there to take notes which will form part of a report that will be presented to Tony Blair himself.

Afterwards they chatted with Mr Prescott and were presented with signed and framed certificates and were given the official title of MCP - Member of Children's Parliament!

Next Tuesday (25th) the children will experience the real thing when they travel down to London for a select committee hearing at the real House of Commons!

The girls will grill Education Minister Charles Clarke. And he better be on the ball because they will tell him: "We believe the profile of environmental studies is overshadowed by other areas of the National Curriculum. Should there be a statutory order that children of all ages must complete specific tasks relevant to environmental awareness and participation?"

The boys on the other hand will ask John Prescott: "If our world is to keep going we know we must restrain exploitative development. How is it that the car manufacturing industry is encouraged by allowing company cars? What is the Government's response to this?"

Teacher Mrs Janet Brady, of Greenhill, said: "The boys know that they will have to do their research because the question might be turned back on them so the whole class is helping them prepare their responses."

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