PUPILS had the chance to quiz their MP when she dropped in for a visit.

North West Durham MP Hilary Armstrong met Year 9 pupils at St Bede's RC Comprehensive School in Lanchester.

The pupils told the Government Chief Whip that they did not want the voting age lowered to 16.

A school spokesman said: "The nearer pupils came to 16, the less they wanted the responsibility."

After the question and answer session, Ms Armstrong formally opened the new school council.

St Bede's is one of the schools selected for the Hansard pilot schemes of MP In Schools and MEP In Schools. Ms Armstrong's visit follows a successful meeting between pupils and North-East MEP Stephen Hughes earlier this year