DROITWICH councillor Peter Pinfield has been facing a grilling by students.

Two Worcestershire County Council officers, studying for a HNC in Local Government, fired a range of questions on local government issues at the county councillor.

As part of their two-year course, Trisha James-Rudd, from Droitwich, and Hayley Bosworth, from Worcester, were required to interview a councillor.

As Mr Pinfield was Ms James-Rudd's local member, they approached the Labour Group Leader to see if he would agree to be grilled.

The councillor was quizzed on how he came into politics, how the council is run, and how he is accountable to the public.

"I was only too happy to help out with the students' project," said Coun Pinfield.

"I found it very interesting to speak to them and, although it wasn't a Jeremy Paxman-type interview, it was difficult and they did ask some probing questions."

Ms James-Rudd said that the interview had been very useful to the two students.

"The HNC is challenging because it focuses on all aspects of the council's services and participation within the community," she explained.

"Our interview was very informative, positive, and Peter was willing to assist us with our assignment.

"Some of his responses were not what we expected and it gave a different perceptive on the issues raised, hence leading to a better understanding of a councillor's role in local government and the community."