CHILDREN from Pershore High school were visited by an education minister to answer questions on the education system.

MP Jacqui Smith from Redditch and ex-colleague of the headteacher Clive Corbett was more than happy to take the opportunity to visit the Pershore school when asked by her friend.

Mr Corbett said: "I had worked with Jacqui back in the 1980s and 1990s and thought it would be good for her to come along and see what goes on in our school while answering pupils questions about funding."

Head boy Robin Laight and head girl Katharyn Natynczuk asked MP Smith about the low funding Worcestershire school receive in comparison to other schools and asked about the school's future under the new White paper proposal, which is to be announced by the government soon.

Mr Corbett added: "These pupils have an interest in politics and were pleased to have their questions answered by a representative of the government who can take the children's issues back to the government."