EURO MP Fiona Hall has been helping to bring classroom politics to life during a school visit.
The MEP arrived at Egglescliffe School to talk about her job, and visited a fairtrade stall run by 14 and 15-year-old students.
A-Level politics students, who are currently looking at Europe as part of their course, asked Ms Hall her opinion on the single currency.
Lois Woodcock, head of politics at the school, said: "The students were asking some really good questions.
"When they asked about her opinion on the single currency, she said she thought it was very positive, and told how Ireland in particular had benefited from introducing the Euro.
"The students felt they got a lot from the visit - having someone who works in that field in front of you brings the subject to life."
The MEP spoke to the students about the relationship between pressure groups, such as Greenpeace, and Europe.
She also described how interpreters are used to help bridge the language barriers between MEPs.
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