MORE than a hundred primary school children took over a council chamber to discuss their own big issue.

Youngsters from Durham and North Yorkshire were involved in an inter-county debate on the motion: "All Children should walk at least part of their journey to school."

Pupils from four schools were involved - Sacred Heart RC primary and Broomfield primary from Northallerton, Red Rose primary, Chester-le-Street and Shield Row primary from Stanley.

The event, at County Hall in Northallerton, was organised by North Yorkshire County Council’s road safety and travel awareness team working with Durham Council’s school travel team.

One of the judges, North Yorkshire county councillor Clare Wood, said: "The quality of this debate was exceptionally good.

"I was very impressed by the research and the presentation. Some had brought props, others included jokes and one even did a rap poem. It really was good to see the children putting so much effort into it.

"They’d clearly thought long and hard about the subject, and I think they appreciated being given the chance to hold the competition in the council chamber where so many important debates are held."

The best speaker was Heather Stephenson from Broomfield school while the best school was Red Rose.

All children voted and the motion was passed.