YOUNG people in Darlington are getting a taste of government as part of local democracy week.

Primary school pupils will be attending a special lifelong learning scrutiny committee at Darlington Town Hall today.

Councillor Cyndi Hughes, the committee's chairman, has invited two pupils and one teacher from each primary school in the borough.

A council spokeswoman said: "The meeting will emulate, as far as possible, a real scrutiny committee meeting, with an agenda and reports being distributed to all participating schools."

Older pupils, from Haughton Community School, will have the opportunity to put questions to five councillors from three Haughton wards about issues that concern them, including litter and council services, at a meeting this morning.

Darlington Borough Council's youth service is also holding a democracy awareness day at the Arts Centre tomorrow. The event will include workshops by national bodies, including the Votes at 16 Campaign, the Racial Equality Council, Article 12 and Student Action For Refugees.

Council leader John Williams said: "By taking part in the events during Local Democracy Week, young people in particular can learn more about the democratic process, how they can get involved and how democracy can influence their day-to-day life."