BEN March may only be 12 years old but his mind is made up on the GM crop debate - they should never be grown in Britain.

The Malvern youngster was quick to express his opinions at a debate attended by more than 200 Worcestershire residents last night.

The meeting, on whether GM crops should be cultivated in the UK, was held at the Malvern Theatre, by the Malvern Hills District Council, in a bid to get residents' opinions heard.

And Ben, along with his nine-year-old brother Sam, was more than happy to take part in the heated discussions involving people from every walk of life.

Their dad Salvador, aged 49, said he was eager to get his sons interested in an issue which could have a massive impact on their lives if the Government decides to give the growing of GM crops the go-ahead in Britain.

Mr March said: "I think it's important for all young people to be interested in this, and more should be done to make this as exciting as possible, to make children want to have an opinion on it.

"The big commercial companies that will sell the genetically modified seeds wish to create slaves out of farmers because it is the best way they can make money.

"They will have the monopoly and farmers will have no choice but to go to them to buy the seeds. I think we should all stand up against GM crops."

Ben, who joined in watching a video played to the forum and small groups of debates in an effort to make everyone aware of all sides of the issue, said he agreed with his father.

He added: "I'm interested in learning what everyone else thinks, but I'm against GM crops and what I've heard tonight has not changed my mind."

The meeting was independently chaired by Peter Buchanan, head teacher at Dyson Perrins School, who was joined by four expert panellists.

Alissa Cook, a policy officer for The Soil Association, said: "I think we just need to make the Government listen and I think it will if we keep up the pressure.

"There is no evidence to say that GM is safe and in North America, farmers were sold GM on a promise of huge benefits, which have not come to fruition, or if they have, they have been short-lived."

Chris Lennard, of the GM-Free Worcestershire campaign, received overwhelming applause when he made a speech condemning GM crops.

Jonathan Harrington, a scientist for CropGen, spoke in favour of GM crops, saying modern science has a place in modern farming.

Archie Montgomery, a Worcestershire farmer and spokesman for the National Farmers' Union, said: "Farmers will do what they can to have a competitive advantage and I think many are still undecided. This is an issue with a massive grey area in the middle of extremes either side."

What do you think? Write to: Voice of Worcester, Evening News, Hylton Road, Worcester, WR2 5JX or email: letters@thisisworcester.co.uk