A TOWN'S children are being congratulated by civic leaders for doing their homework.

About 150 people attended a State of the Borough debate in Hartlepool, many of them children.

Several of them took the opportunity to ask Mayor Stuart Drummond about his plans for the town and to raise issues of concern.

Both Hartlepool's first citizen and borough council chairman, Councillor Carl Richardson, said they were left full of admiration for their young audience.

Mr Drummond said: "I was delighted with the overall attendance, but it was particularly pleasing to see so many young people representing schools and other organisations.

"They asked me some excellent questions. I have said all along that one of my key aims is to re-connect the council to the public and the success of the debate has gone some way to helping us achieve that.''

He outlined the work of the council and its plans to an audience at the Borough Hall, before fielding 35 questions.

Coun Richardson, who chaired the event, said: "Our young people are the future of the town and it is important that they feel their views count.

"The young people who spoke so well at the debate are typical of so many other youngsters across the town. It showed by their participation and involvement that they care about the town.

"I hope this will be the beginning of more involvement by young people in the decision making process."