A GROUP of A-level business and economics students have just returned from a trip to the European Parliament in Brussels.

The year 12 pupils from Egglescliffe Comprehensive School, Eaglescliffe, met Martin Cullian, MEP. They were able to ask him questions on several European policies, ranging from marketing and trade within the European Union to the introduction of the Euro.

An added bonus for the group was a visit to an international business, Inter Brew, to examine its operations in relation to European trade policies.

The students took a selection of artwork by year seven to year 13 pupils, which went on display in the European Parliament.

Head of business studies Jo Richardson said: "This was an excellent opportunity for our students to visit the European Parliament and talk directly to an MEP.

"They gained a tremendous and invaluable insight into the workings of the European Parliament and its implications for this country such as the monetary union."