A TOWN'S leading politicians were put firmly on the spot by schoolchildren yesterday.

The Mayor of Hartlepool, Stuart Drummond, took his six-member cabinet to St Hild's C of E School where they answered questions.

More than 50 pupils from Hartlepool's six secondary schools took part in a discussion about the Government's Anti-Social Behaviour Act and how it relates to education.

After the discussion, the cabinet took a vote and agreed to adopt the new Government policy.

"It was brilliant, really brilliant," said Councillor Cath Hill, cabinet member for children's services. "They genuinely contributed to the debate. There was one girl, Lauren, who talked about absenteeism and what would work and what wouldn't and it was really interesting. It was the best discussion for a long time."

Mayor Drummond said: "It is important to encourage young people to get involved in the democratic process. They have so much to offer."

The event was part of Local Democracy Week and was designed to increase young people's involvement in democracy.